The NSW police chief wants domestic violence killers behind bars for life as the state government orders a review of sentences for murders and other homicides.
Attorney-General Mark Speakman has asked an independent advisory body to look into punishments for killing offences amid growing community concern.
The review by the NSW Sentencing Council will consider whether the 20-year standard non-parole period for murder should be increased.
It will also take into account how sentencing decisions affect families of homicide victims and the impact of domestic violence on the community.
In 2017-18, 28 people died in domestic violence homicides - accounting for nearly half of killings in the state during that period.
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NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller described it as "one of the worst crimes".
"Dying in your own home at the hands of someone that's supposed to love you has to be one of the worst crimes," Mr Fuller told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Pru Goward agreed that a life sentence was appropriate.
"We need life sentences for murders that are clearly a result of extensive assault and threat to that person," she told reporters.
The NSW premier has made it a priority to reduce domestic violence reoffending by 25 per cent by 2021.
