Andrews refuses to back Bill to keep Frankston serial killer jailed
Daniel Andrews has refused to support an opposition Bill to stop Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer applying for parole.
Police & Courts
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Serial killer Paul Denyer will be free to again apply for parole after the Andrews government refused to support legislation to keep him locked up forever.
The Liberal Party on Wednesday introduced legislation in parliament to keep Denyer jailed, similar to laws preventing Hoddle St killer Julian Knight and Russell St bomber Craig Minogue from being released.
The passing of those laws were previously supported by Labor both in government and when in opposition.
But Daniel Andrews said Labor wouldn’t back the Liberal Party Bill to keep Denyer behind bars.
The Premier said it was “highly unlikely” the Adult Parole Board would consider another parole application from Denyer.
“I think we can all have confidence in the Adult Parole Board to do their work and to do it properly,” he said.
“They’ve determined he is an ongoing risk and they would not, as I understand it, entertain another application for parole unless there was a material change in circumstance.
“My confidence is not so much in Liberal Party motions or Bills that are brought to the parliament. My confidence is in the Adult Parole Board and they have looked at it very, very carefully and they have made what I think is the right decision.”
Opposition police and corrections spokesman Brad Battin called on the government to reconsider its position.
“If not passed, the families of Natalie Russell, Elizabeth Stevens and Debbie Fream will be forced to relive unspeakable pain every time future parole applications are made,” he said.
“The Liberals and Nationals call on the Andrews government to reconsider, do the right thing, and support this Bill.”
“There’s no doubts about that,” he said.
Mr Pallas said Victoria was the only state that had a budget repair strategy, adding that it was still able to meet an operating surplus in 2025/26.
“We’ve basically said that we’ve got a four step plan. We’ll stick to that plan,” he said.
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