The DVDRT is a multi-agency review body established under the Coroners Act 2009 (NSW) to examine deaths occurring in the context of domestic violence in New South Wales. The DVDRT undertakes qualitative analyses of domestic violence context deaths to identify systemic issues arising in individual, or across, cases, and to highlight limitations or weaknesses in service delivery. The DVDRT also undertakes quantitative analyses to develop broad prevalence and disaggregated data in relation to deaths occurring in a domestic violence context (including homicides and suicides).

The DVDRT reports biennially to the NSW Parliament, setting out findings from its quantitative and qualitative review processes and the recommendations which are derived from these analyses. Through its recommendations, the DVDRT aims to develop and promote domestic violence intervention and prevention strategies so as to reduce the likelihood of deaths occurring in similar circumstances in the future, and to improve the response to domestic violence more generally.

This Memorandum sets out the process for responding to recommendations of the DVDRT directed at Ministers and NSW Government agencies. The purpose of the Memorandum is to ensure that there is a consistent process across government for responding to DVDRT recommendations.

When the DVDRT provides its biennial reports to the NSW Parliament, the State Coroner (the Convenor of the DVDRT) will also provide a copy of the report to the Attorney General and the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

The Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, in consultation with the Attorney General, is responsible for the coordination of the whole of government response to the DVDRT recommendations. A NSW Government response should be developed in consultation with relevant agencies and provided to the Convenor of the DVDRT within six months of receiving the report. The Government response should indicate whether the NSW Government accepts the DVDRT recommendations and outline any action being taken to implement the recommendations.

Ministers and agencies are encouraged to provide updates to the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault on any further action taken to implement recommendations following their initial advice, in accordance with the usual process. If the proposed Government response to DVDRT report recommendations involves significant change to Government policy, impacts on more than one portfolio, or has budgetary implications, a Minister should bring forward a Cabinet Submission. Any cross-portfolio issues should be subject to consultation with relevant Ministers.

The Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, in consultation with the Attorney General, will provide the final NSW Government response to the Convenor of the DVDRT, which will be published on the Coroner’s website.

Gladys Berejiklian MP

Premier