Biddy’s mum furious over ‘shameful’ Attorney-General snub on eve of her birthday

The grieving family of a murdered 10-year-old girl have had their calls for an inquiry into a justice system snubbed, which they say makes their daughter’s death “invisible” and puts the focus on protecting her killer.

The grieving mother of a 10-year-old girl brutally stabbed to death has blasted NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley, accusing him of ignoring the needs of victims.

Rebekah Porter exclusively told The Sunday Telegraph she was “profoundly dissatisfied and disappointed” with the response from Mr Daley and found it “shamefull” that he had not agreed to her family’s calls for a parliamentary inquiries into the handling of the case.

That’s despite her having met with Premier Chris Minns on the day a petition with 21,550 signatures was tabled in Parliament and his “manner having indicated that the issues would be taken seriously”.

Bridgette “Biddy” Porter was stabbed to death in 2020, the act being so violent the Supreme Court suppressed the details of her killing for 20 years.

Biddy’s killer was found guilty of murder but not criminally responsible due to mental health reasons.

Ms Porter spoke earlier to The Sunday Telegraph after learning the person who brutally stabbed her daughter to death had been out on supervised day release less than four years after the killing.

Rebekah Porter in the room of her home dedicated to her daughter, fondly referred to as Biddy. Picture: Dean Marzolla

Ms Porter believes the killer’s day release was revoked after they tried to strangle someone but has concerns the tribunal has held discussions about preparing the killer for their future.

The petition called for an inquiry into the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, The Mental Health Review Tribunal’s lack of transparency and called for reform to victims’ support services and a coronial inquest into Biddy’s death.

The devastating news of Mr Daley’s stance came the day before Biddy’s birthday.

“The fact that the Attorney General has chosen to distance themselves from the independent bodies involved, shows a lack of accountability and a failure to prioritise the needs of victims like myself and my family,” Ms Porter said.

“We deserve transparency and a thorough examination of the systems that failed us.

“It is disgraceful that, after enduring such a devastating loss, we are met with bureaucratic responses rather than meaningful action.”

Sunday Telegraph August 11, 2024.

Sunday Telegraph August 11, 2024.

“The Victims Support Scheme has proven inadequate for our needs, and our request for a coronial inquest into Biddy’s death remains unanswered.

“This is not a unique case; it reflects the experiences of many victims of serious crime who feel marginalised and neglected by the very systems meant to protect and support them. We are left feeling unheard and unvalued as victims of crime.

“It is imperative that our voices are not only acknowledged but acted upon.

“I urge the government to reconsider their stance and take the necessary steps to ensure that no other family has to endure the pain and suffering we have faced.”

Clare Collins from Advocacy Australia said that although the Justice for Biddy Porter e-Petition dedicated to creating positive change for all victims of serious crimes was unanimously accepted by NSW Parliament last month, the response from Mr Daley received on the eve of Biddy birthday that claims to prioritise reforms and commits to creating transparent robust systems, totally dismissed the views of the people of NSW.

Bridgette Poryer’s family is calling for an inquiry into the handling of her case after she was stabbed to death. Picture: Dean Marzolla

“And it ignored the dire needs of a minority group who continue to suffer under the current systems,” she said..

“For too long victims of serious crimes’ pleas for reform have been ignored. They’ve been silenced by the very bureaucracy that exists to serve them,” Ms Collins said.

“If the current NSW Government fails to act now in Biddy’s name, it is unlikely that transparency and accountability of these government agencies will ever occur.

It’s time for the NSW Government to step up, conduct inquiries and open reforms to failed system so the agencies responsible can better serve the living victims of heinous crimes.”

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