Wednesday, 1 November 2023

 Paul EDBROOKE (Frankston) (09:48): Today the Labor Allan government introduced legislation into the Victorian Parliament that will keep Frankston serial killer Paul Denyer behind bars for good, never to walk our streets ever again. As a secondary measure this legislation will also give the independent Adult Parole Board of Victoria the power to restrict repeat applications for parole in cases where very serious offenders do not meet the threshold required. We are talking about introducing a safeguard against very serious offenders such as multiple murderers, murderer-rapists and child murderers.

I have got to know the Russell family very well, and I believe one of the most important factors in drafting this legislation was the voice of the victims’ families, who told us about 30 years of lived experience and what they wanted. This eventually resulted in the family giving this legislation their blessing. I think this approach should be used far more often. Our legal system is better when lawmakers like the Attorney-General sit face to face with victims’ families over the kitchen table and listen. I thank the Attorney-General for visiting the Russell family home with me on multiple occasions. With such serious consequences for our community, the preparation of this legislation was too important to rush. Consultation with the community and victims’ families has taken time, but we have ensured these new laws reflect community expectations.

I want to extend my love and thanks to my friends the Russell family – Brian, Carmel, Karen, Lisa and Jeanine – for their enduring patience and advice. This legislation honours both the strong advocacy of victims’ families and the legacies of Natalie Russell, Elizabeth Stevens and Debbie Fream by ensuring people who belong in prison stay in prison.