Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Parole eligibility

Brad BATTIN (Berwick) (14:08): My question is to the Premier. Premier, the government introduced legislation in 2018 to amend the Corrections Act 1986, naming Russell Street bomber Craig Minogue to ensure that he never gets out of prison. Why won’t the government provide peace of mind to the grieving families of Paul Denyer’s victims and do the same?

Daniel ANDREWS (Mulgrave – Premier) (14:08): Firstly, let me thank the honourable member for his question. Secondly, I want to make it very clear that the government takes full responsibility for the fact that throughout recent months, when the evil prisoner that the member refers to became eligible for parole, families and those who were close to the victims – so families and friends – were not appropriately supported. It is not only a matter of regret but a motivation for improvement and reform when it comes to the approach of the government. It is not acceptable to me that the family and friends who carry the very real burden of the tragic loss of –

Members interjecting.

Daniel ANDREWS: This is a serious matter, and I have been speaking for less than a minute. There is a supplementary question, and I would have thought that it is in everyone’s interests if I am allowed to provide an answer without interjections. That is a matter for others, though; I cannot determine that. What I was saying was that it is not only a matter of regret but a matter of motivation for change and improvement that people who carry such a heavy and tragic burden every day because of the evil crimes of this person were not, in the lead-up to the parole hearing, appropriately supported and given information and given the support that they were absolutely owed. We will do everything we can to ensure that that does not happen again. I would refer –

Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, this was a very narrow question about supporting the legislation in relation to this very serious matter, and yet what the Premier is talking about is not relevant. It is on relevance. The Premier is talking about the welfare of the families. If you really cared about the welfare of the families, you would support this legislation.

The SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order. The Premier was being relevant to the question.

Daniel ANDREWS: The welfare of these families will be our only consideration. If it does not suit the agenda of some for me to be talking about these matters, then that is a matter for them and they can be judged accordingly. I am not in any way pleased that with fully 30 years to be ready for this day, the system did not properly support those families. So we will do more and we will do better in that regard.

In terms of the broader issue, I would draw the honourable member – I am not questioning his motivations or making any sort of negative comment in any way; what I want to say, though, is it is appropriate to draw his attention and the attention of those watching and listening to the fact that the adult parole board has denied parole to that prisoner. Whilst I am limited in what I can say as to the merits or otherwise of that decision, I will say this: he is where he belongs.

Now, there are additional measures that the government has announced today. The Attorney-General and the Minister for Corrections have met with the family. I will meet with the family, I am certain of that, quite soon and we will further discuss some of the changes to this system, not for any one person but for all persons who might form part of this evil cohort.

Brad BATTIN (Berwick) (14:12): There are reports today in the media the government is considering a five-year no-parole period following an unsuccessful application for a prisoner. Premier, wouldn’t this mean that families of the victims who have already suffered so much will have to go through a traumatic process every five years?

Daniel ANDREWS (Mulgrave – Premier) (14:12): Again I thank the honourable member for his question. And no, it does not mean that at all, because the government has not yet made –

A member: It was announced.

Daniel ANDREWS: No, I am sorry. I am rather uniquely placed to comment on behalf of the government, being the chair of the government. Let me just make this very clear: we will have more to say about who is eligible to even apply to the adult parole board for a hearing, let alone get a hearing. What is more –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Berwick.

Daniel ANDREWS: What is more, member for Berwick, the government has made it very clear today that we are actively exploring the notion that those who have participated in no rehabilitation may not be eligible to even petition the parole board for a hearing, let alone be granted parole.

Brad Battin interjected.

The SPEAKER: Member for Berwick!

Daniel ANDREWS: The member for Berwick can interject all he likes – all he likes – and people can judge him accordingly.