New twist in backpacker fire killer Robert Long’s latest bid for freedom

Survivors of the deadly Childers backpacker fire have been granted a new opportunity in their bid to keep the man responsible for the deaths of 15 people behind bars.

Police & SES officers outside Palace Backpackers Hostel in Childers following the fire. Picture: Anthony Weate.

The parole application of Childers backpacker mass killer Robert Long will not be considered until victims make submissions as the state’s parole board considers whether to make a “restricted prisoner declaration”, which could prevent him from applying for parole again for up to 10 years.

Fifteen backpackers died when Long set the Palace hostel on fire in June 2000. He was jailed for a minimum of 20 years.

Long – who unsuccessfully applied for parole in 2020 – has applied for his release from Wolston jail again, as survivors plan to meet for the 25th anniversary of the horrific fire.

Long was charged and convicted with arson and two counts of murder of twins Kelly and Stacey Slarke but not over the 13 other deaths.

Survivors have called for Long to never be released.

On Thursday night a statement was released by Queensland Corrective Services, authorised by Commissioner Paul Stewart, stating there were considerations as to whether there would be a “restricted prisoner declaration” made against Long.

Childers Backpacker Fire murderer Robert Long.

This would mean Long could not apply for parole for up to 10 years.

“Queensland Corrective Services acknowledges the victims, victims’ families, survivors and the broader community who have been greatly affected by the fire at Childers 25 years ago,” the statement said.

“Prisoner Robert Paul Long has submitted an application for parole. Due to the magnitude of the crimes committed by Prisoner Long, he is a restricted prisoner.

“Therefore, he cannot be considered for release on parole, until the President of Parole Board Queensland (Michael Woodford) has determined whether to make a ‘restricted prisoner declaration’ and if so, for how long.

“A restricted prisoner declaration means that the person cannot apply for parole again for a period of up to 10 years. Prisoner Long will remain in Queensland Corrective Services custody while the restricted prisoner matter is being determined.”

Fifteen people died in the fire in 2000. Pic Ron Wilson

The statement said the parole application was not being considered while the restricted prisoner matter was being determined by Mr Woodford.

“The President has recently been informed that a number of victims wish to make submissions to the Board following the 25th Anniversary of Mr Long’s crimes,” the statement said.

“The President has therefore paused his consideration process to enable victims to register with the Victims’ Register and provide their submissions.

“Under the restricted prisoner framework the President must take into account the submissions of an eligible person when making his decision.”

The statement said no definitive timeframe for the making of the declaration could be provided and it would partly depend on when victim submissions were received.

“Those registered with the QCS Victims Register will be notified when a decision is made,” the statement said.

“Victims can register with the Queensland Corrective Services Victims Register to receive information, provide submissions and access support services.”

Long is being represented by law firm Jones and Associates, however the firm declined to comment when contacted.

Originally published as New twist in backpacker fire killer Robert Long’s latest bid for freedom