Keeping Victorians Safe From the Worst Criminals

Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Convicted murderer Paul Denyer will never be a risk to community safety again under changes that will keep Victorians safe from the most serious and violent criminals.

Laws to be introduced to the Victorian Parliament tomorrow will further restrict parole for prisoners convicted of murder, killing children, and serious sexual offences.

These reforms will spare victims and their loved ones the pain of repeatedly reliving their trauma.

Denyer was convicted in 1993 of the brutal murders of Natalie Russell, Elizabeth Stevens and Debbie Fream.

His bid for parole has forced his victims’ families and loved ones to relive their trauma and suffer ongoing pain. He will be named in legislation to make sure he can never be released from prison unless he is terminally ill or incapacitated.

The legislation follows new advice from the Solicitor-General, and is worded in the same terms used to keep Hoddle Street killer Julian Knight and Russell Street bomber Craig Minogue in jail.

The legislation will also protect families of other victims of serious and violent crimes by giving the Adult Parole Board the power to declare restricted prisoners – meaning they are unable to apply for release for between five and ten years after serving the non-parole period of their sentence.

Prisoners serving a life sentence will also be restricted from reapplying for parole after their application has been rejected.

The Victorian Government has developed this legislation by listening to victims and their families. We will continue to work to make sure they are supported through times of grief and suffering.

We will work to make the parole process clearer to victims and their families, so they understand the steps, can access support services, and can choose how much information they want to receive.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Enver Erdogan

“Parole is not a right. People who commit unimaginable crimes belong behind bars – not back on our streets.”

“We’ve listened to victims and their families who have been forced to relive their trauma through a perpetrator’s parole application. They deserve certainty – and they deserve better.”

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes

“The family and friends of Natalie Russell, Debbie Fream and Elizabeth Stevens continue to suffer and grieve.”

“These changes can’t heal their pain, but they can provide the certainty he won’t hurt another woman again.”