Justice party MP Tania Maxwell pushes government for cold-case justice

A Justice party MP is pushing the state government to put more resources into the cold case of missing schoolboy Terry Floyd, 47 years after he went missing.

Missing person Terry Floyd was last seen 47 years ago. Picture: Frank Violi

An independent MP is pushing the state government to put more resources into the cold case of missing schoolboy Terry Floyd, 47 years after he went missing.

Justice party MP Tania Maxwell met with Terry’s brother Daryl Floyd last week, telling parliament it was a “bittersweet moment” to hear about the pain the unsolved case had caused him.

Terry, 12, disappeared on June 28 in 1975 while waiting for a lift from Avoca to his Maryborough home and was last seen on the side of the Pyrenees Highway.

Mr Floyd said Ms Maxwell’s campaign was a huge step forward and that he hoped the government would listen.

“This is the biggest voice Terry has been given in the 47 year investigation,” Mr Floyd told the Herald Sun.

Terry Floyd (middle) with brothers Ray Floyd (top) and Daryl Floyd (bottom).

“There have been a lot of empty promises over the years that have never come to fruition.

“I would just like Terry’s case to finally be taken seriously. There are so many avenues to explore.”

Mr Floyd has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars out of his own pockets to excavate around 80 per cent of a mine in central Victoria, where it is believed his brother’s remains lie.

In February this year he sourced cadaver dogs from Sydney to examine the area for the first time.

The government has previously promised to fully fund the mine search but Mr Floyd says the process has been bogged down in bureaucracy.

“It is time the government funded the whole search and finalise this once and for all,” Mr Floyd said.

Daryl Floyd at the memorial for Terry. Picture: Alex Coppel

Daryl Floyd holds a photo of his brother Terry at the Victoria Police Centre. Picture: Julian Smith

“Why is this left to family members to sort out. It is quite distressing — it is an emotional rollercoaster.”

Ms Maxwell said no family should ever have to suffer not knowing what happened to their loved one.

“This is a chilling story, one which highlighted for me a similarity with beautiful little Daniel Morcombe,” she said.

“No-one should have to make it their personal responsibility to find a loved one they suspect has been murdered.”

Victoria Police said the missing persons squad investigation is ongoing and a $1 million reward remains in place.

“The case remains open and police are always prepared to act on new information and commit resources where appropriate,” a police spokeswoman said.