Daniel Andrews foreshadows parole reforms but victims of Paul Denyer aren’t happy

Daniel Andrews has foreshadowed reforms to Victoria’s parole laws, but loved ones of those killed by Paul Denyer say they stop short of guaranteeing he’ll remain behind bars.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews during question time on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Family and friends of Paul Den­yer’s victims fear the Andrews government’s proposed changes to parole laws could enable the Frankston serial killer to reapply for his freedom.

Victoria’s upper house is due to vote on Wednesday on an opposition bill that would prevent Denyer applying for parole again, unless at risk of death.

Premier Daniel Andrews has ruled out support for the move, instead foreshadowing Labor reforms he says are less likely to be challenged in the High Court.

Denyer received a life sentence in 1993 after being found guilty of murdering Elizabeth Stevens, 18, Debbie Fream, 22, and Natalie Russell, 17.

On appeal, he was granted a 30-year non-parole period, enabling him to make an application for freedom that was refused in May.

Mr Andrews indicated on Tuesday the government’s reforms would involve setting minimum periods of likely more than five years between applications for parole, and a ban on those who had not engaged in rehabilitation applying more than once.

“If we keep trying to keep individuals behind bars with one-­person laws, we are drumming up business for the High Court, and we will finish up potentially with a ruling that no one wants,” the Premier said.

“What’s more, that is not a quick process. The legally safe thing to do is to allow the adult parole board to do its job.”

Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer being taken away by police in 1993.

Mr Andrews cited meetings last week between Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes and loved ones of Denyer’s victims, saying it had become clear to the government that they had not been well-treated by “the system” during Denyer’s parole application.

“It’s very clear to us from those meetings that this process has not been particularly well handled, and people have not … had support and information wrapped around them in a very challenging period of time,” he said.

“The system has had 30 years to get ready for this day, and sadly I don’t think those families have been as well supported as they should have been.

“We take responsibility for that, and we’re going to make sure that that doesn’t happen again.”

Liberal Democrat MP David Limbrick (2nd from left), gives a press conference alongside Natalie Russell’s friend Karen and parents Carmel and Brian. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Liberal Democrat MP David Limbrick, who was the boyfriend of 17-year-old Russell at the time of her murder, said: “The changes announced this morning don’t address the key request of the families: a guarantee that Denyer can never harm another woman.

“Until that guarantee is provided, this just isn’t good enough.”