The system that failed Bekkie-Rae now a step closer to change

A gap in the justice system that failed to protect a young Victorian mum from her killer is closer to a crucial change that will prevent other victims from being left exposed to danger.

Demi Trinca is behind a push to change the law following the death of her sister Bekkie-Rae. Picture: David Caird

Plans are in motion to address the justice system gap that failed to protect a young Victorian mum from her killer.

Senior Andrews government figures have began talks on reforming the Victorian Victims Register after a Herald Sun investigation revealed serious flaws with the scheme.

Warrnambool mum Bekkie-Rae Curren Trinca was packing her bags to leave her abusive boyfriend, Paul McDonough, when he was unexpectedly released from custody, came home and killed her in November 2018.

Her family say she would be alive today if she knew he had been freed.

Bekkie-Rae Curren-Trinca was packing her bags to leave her abusive boyfriend when he was unexpectedly released from custody, came home and killed her.

Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Ros Spence and Minister for Victim Support Enver Erdogan will meet with Ms Curren-Trinca’s family next month to discuss how the system failed her and how it needs to change.

Demi Trinca is pushing for the register to be made opt-out to ensure other victims of serious offenders are not left exposed to danger.

A government spokesperson said “initial discussions are underway”.”Our approach to the law has always been informed by listening to and working with victims and their loved ones, and that is what we are continuing to do,” the spokesperson said.

Currently, victims must apply to the register to receive information about their perpetrator such as their prison release date.

The register is widely unknown to the public.

In 2022/23, 691 applications to the register were made despite almost 209,000 victim reports filed to police in the year to March.

Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday opened the door to reform saying, “this is a terrible tragedy and we owe it to this family and to the memory of their loved one to try and make the system better”.

“If there are practical changes we can make then of course we will,” he added.

The push for reform was backed by Victorian Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack.

She said the government must investigate ways to better protect victims from harm.

“There is an enormous gap in our system that creates so much risk for people already at risk,” she said.

“The government needs to undertake an independent review, look at other jurisdictions and consult with victims to come up with a scheme that will protect victims, respect their rights and their choices. But most importantly, to keep them safe.”