Notorious Prisoners Face Indefinite Life Behind Bars Under Proposed Parole Overhaul

Queensland's most notorious prisoners, including wife-killer Gerard Baden-Clay, face the prospect of spending the rest of their lives behind bars under proposed changes to parole laws.

Tougher Parole Eligibility

The legislation, introduced to state parliament, aims to expand the definition of a restricted prisoner to apply to anyone serving a life sentence. Restricted prisoners currently include child killers or murderers who kill more than one person.

Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber said the changes could prevent offenders from ever being granted parole. "Some of the most dangerous offenders who commit the most heinous crimes, including domestic violence, murderers, rapists, sadistic killers, could stay locked up for life," she said.

"Life should mean life. And that is why there's no limit to how many times the Parole Board could prevent a restricted prisoner from being released on parole under our laws."

Closing Loopholes

The legislation will also close a loophole relating to "no body, no parole" laws, where offenders could escape punishment if the remains were destroyed. "These changes send a clear message that if a prisoner hasn't done everything they can to reveal the location of a victim's body, they will not be granted parole," Ms Gerber told the House.

Impact on Families

Allison Baden-Clay's sister, Vanessa Fowler, said the prospect of Gerard Baden-Clay's release had haunted them. "We've now lived the last 14 years with a thought in the back of our minds, knowing that the parole date will eventually arrive," she said.

"We know that with these laws in place, we now have the confidence of certainty. We know that there is hope. Hope that we can continue to live our lives."

Dannielle Carroll, whose sister Kelly Wilkinson was murdered by her estranged husband in 2021, said it was a vital measure. "Kelly's children were just eight, six and two when they witnessed their father murder their mother horrifically in their own home," Ms Carroll said.

"That is a true life sentence, and that will now be taken into consideration when applying for parole."

Implementation

The legislation will require victim submissions to be considered at every stage of the parole application. There are currently 71 restricted prisoners in Queensland jails, and 334 offenders serving life sentences.

The overhaul follows a review of Queensland's Parole Board, with the government accepting, or supporting in principle, 31 of 46 recommendations.