Boyfriend hands himself in after woman found dead in Carlton

A man has handed himself in to police after the body of his 21-year-old girlfriend was found inside an apartment in Melbourne's inner north, in Carlton.

The woman's body was discovered at the Carlton address, prompting a homicide investigation. Her boyfriend later presented himself to police, who are now working to establish exactly what happened. Detectives have not yet outlined the circumstances of her death, and the case remains in its early stages.

The death is the latest to bring fresh attention to violence against women, with investigators expected to continue gathering evidence from the scene as the legal process begins.

Push for tougher self-defence laws

Separately, a minor party in Victoria has made a change to the state's self-defence rules a centrepiece of its election pitch. The proposal would give homeowners greater legal protection to use force against intruders, allowing them to 'fight back' when someone breaks into their property.

Supporters argue that people confronted in their own homes should not have to worry about being prosecuted for protecting themselves and their families. Under the current framework, a person who injures an intruder can face scrutiny over whether the force used was reasonable. The party wants that balance shifted in favour of the occupant.

The idea is likely to prompt debate over where the line should be drawn between defending a home and using excessive force, a question that tends to resurface whenever a high-profile confrontation makes headlines.

Other stories making news

Several other developments featured in the day's national bulletin:

• Cheltenham: A garbage truck crash in the Melbourne suburb of Cheltenham drew an emergency response.
• AFL: Nick Blakey has apologised over the Pullman scandal.
• Consumer watchdog: The ACCC has taken an alleged egg cartel to court.
• Thailand: A hearing was held in the murder case involving Simon Carman.
• Sam Wood: After being denied bail, Sam Wood has been transferred to prison.
• Economy: The International Monetary Fund expects about 100,000 Australian job losses.

The IMF forecast is likely to sharpen concerns about the outlook for the labour market, and about how households and businesses may cope if the projected losses materialise.

Further details on the Carlton investigation are expected to emerge as police continue their inquiries and the man's matter proceeds through the courts. Anyone with information that could assist detectives is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.

If you or someone you know is affected by family or domestic violence, support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14.