Premier Jacinta Allan, who first learnt about the Cobram death at a press conference on Wednesday, couldn’t speak specifically about the incident, but broadly condemned violence against women.

“We have seen too many women already, in 2024, lose their life,” Allan said. “They’ve lost their life, either at the hands of a current or former partner, or they’ve lost their life at the hands of a complete stranger who seemed intent on inflicting harm against women.

“This has to stop.”

A spate of violent killings of women has rocked Australia recently.

Only 11 days ago, five women – Ashlee Good, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Pikria Darchia and Yixuan Cheng – were among six people fatally stabbed at the Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney.

There’s also been an outpouring of grief and anger in NSW over the death of 28-year-old mother Molly Ticehurst, after revelations her accused killer had been released on bail weeks earlier over allegations he had sexually assaulted her.

In Victoria, the Ballarat region has been hit by the death of 23-year-old Hannah McGuire, allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend earlier this month.

That case followed the arrest of local man Patrick Stephenson, 22, who was charged with murdering missing mother Samantha Murphy, 51, in March. Murphy’s body has not been found.

The premier said governments around the country needed to urgently improve support and protection for women.

“If we see disrespect being shown, we’ve got to call it out,” Allan said. “We’ve got to say that it is wrong, because doing that, you never know, it might just save a life.”

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

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