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The family of a two-year-old boy killed by his father in a murder-suicide has described him as a "beautiful" and "joyful" little boy.
The boy's mother, Sophie Roome, and her family sent a statement to ABC News expressing their "incomprehensible grief" at the loss of their "beloved Rowan".
"He had so many amazing qualities, and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences," the statement said.
"He loved music, the beach, swimming, his friends and his family.
"He touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to be in his world."
Rowan was found dead by police at his father James Harrison's East Lismore home on Sunday night.
It is believed Harrison had planned the murder-suicide.
The family's statement described his death as "an evil and cowardly act of violence, perpetrated by a person he should have been able to trust the most".
"There are no possible excuses for this hurt, and no end to the pain it has caused," they wrote.
"We are devastated … We will love and miss Rowan forever."
The family also acknowledged "the suffering of James's family, which is also immense".
Police need opportunity to investigate: Premier
Dr Roome had called police to report her former partner had not returned their son at 4:30pm as planned after a scheduled visit.
The boy was living with his mother, but had scheduled access visits with his 38-year-old father.
Dr Roome had taken out an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order against Harrison, which had remained in place to protect her since July last year.
Officers first went to Harrison's unit and knocked on the door after speaking with Dr Roome about 5:30pm, before also canvassing neighbours to find them.
They then returned about 9:45pm after speaking with relatives and forced entry into the unit, where they discovered the bodies of Harrison and his son.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said on Wednesday he was not in a position to speculate about the police response time to the suspected murder-suicide, due to the "pain and trauma" associated with the case.
"It's completely heartbreaking… it's an evil act," Mr Minns said.
"NSW police are preparing a report for the coroner, the coroner will report on it and any recommendations that are made, we will act on immediately."
Mr Minns said while there needed to be transparency around the response, police still needed an opportunity to investigate.
"I'm not trying to be coy about it. I know there has to be transparency in relation to this. The community is desperately worried and very upset about this crime, but I just want to make sure police have got an opportunity to look at the circumstances and they can report from there," Mr Minns said.