Calls for independent inquiry into Susan Neill-Fraser case reignited at Hobart rally

A Tasmanian MP has added her voice to calls for an independent inquiry into the conviction of Susan Neill-Fraser saying “concerning questions” remain about a possible miscarriage of justice.

Meg Webb Independent member for Nelson. Rally in support of a Commission of Inquiry for Sue Neill-Fraser who is now on parole after being convicted for the murder of her husband Bob Chappell. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A Tasmanian MP has added her voice to calls for an independent inquiry into the conviction of Susan Neill-Fraser saying “concerning questions” remain about a possible miscarriage of justice.

Meg Webb, the member for Nelson in the Legislative Council, told a rally in Hobart on Saturday that the prominent cases of Lindy Chamberlain and Kathleen Folbigg “were only resolved through an independent inquiry process”.

“That’s what’s needed here,” she said. “It’s not acceptable to leave a shadow looming over our justice system with these incredibly concerning questions around a possible miscarriage of justice.

“That’s why the Lindy Chamberlain case and the Kathleen Folbigg case both needed to be looked at in that independent, inquisitorial way to see whether a miscarriage of justice has occurred.

“It was identified in both those cases that it had, even though all appeals have been exhausted.”

Police Minister Felix Ellis ruled out an inquiry saying the case had been through a “range of appeal processes”.

“Our government has no plans for any further inquiries,” he said.

“This matter has gone through the appeals process and we don’t have anything further to add.”

Neill-Fraser, 68, was released from prison last October after serving 13 years for murdering her partner, Bob Chappell, 65, a radiation physicist on Australia Day 2009.

Despite two appeals and a bid to the High Court, she has been unable to overturn her conviction.

She has always maintained her innocence.

Ms Webb said the case was “built on speculation and limited circumstantial evidence” and had raised questions in “some of the best legal minds in our country”.

“We have to allow for the fact that a possible miscarriage of justice has occurred, and that needs to be properly investigated. Without that, public confidence in our justice system is going to be shaken.

“There’s no body, no weapon, no motive, no witnesses, no forensic evidence.

“I have enough, put before me, to strongly doubt that we can prove for sure that Sue is guilty.

“I think when Tasmanians look at Sue, they see somebody who could be them, could be their mum, could be their auntie.”

Rosie Crumpton-Crook, president of the Sue Neill-Fraser Support Group, told about 40 people at the rally, which Neill-Fraser did not attend, that she would not rest “until this miscarriage of justice is corrected”.

She told the Sunday Tasmanian she sees her regularly.

“I think she’s amazing, very stoic, she’s not bitter or angry as you’d expect.

“Her priorities are her family and getting her name cleared.”

Ms Crumpton-Crook urged Attorney-General to intervene as she had done in overturning a court decision on Jari Wise and allowing an inquest.

Neill-Fraser’s daughter Sarah Bowles said her mother was “going ok” and enjoying being with her grandchildren.

Originally published as Calls for independent inquiry into Susan Neill-Fraser case reignited at Hobart rally