NT Attorney-General John Elferink announces plans to introduce ‘no body, no parole’ legislation

PLANS to introduce “no body, no parole” legislation, believed to target convicted killer Bradley John Murdoch, are under way by the NT Government.

Bradley John Murdoch after his arrest

PLANS to introduce “no body, no parole” legislation, believed to target convicted killer Bradley John Murdoch, are under way by the NT Government.

NT Attorney-General John Elferink said the proposed legislation would prevent convicted killers from becoming eligible for parole if they refused to reveal the location of the victim’s body.

Murdoch was convicted in 2006 and jailed for life for the murder of Peter Falconio, who disappeared in 2001.

His body has never been found.

The Attorney-General said the legislation meant a murderer would be accountable for his or her own lack of contrition.

“A contrite human being is one who seeks redemption by word and action,” he said.

“A person who does not display that desire for absolution after committing such a heinous crime is not a person that society wants walking among them.

“Victim’s families have every right to closure, this will impress upon murderers that victims’ rights are superior than theirs.”

Legislation has been amended in South Australia to compel offenders to co-operate with investigators by withholding their eligibility for parole.

There are Bills currently before Parliament in Victoria and Western Australia and public support for the legislation in Queensland has seen a petition tabled in Queensland Parliament.