Louisa Ioannidis
David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:41): I rise to join those who are calling for an inquest into the death of Louisa Ioannidis. The circumstances around this were featured recently on ABC television’s Australian Story, and I understand Louisa’s supporters have provided new evidence to the coroner for their consideration. I am not here to make a judgement about the case or to disrespect the independence of the Coroners Court of Victoria, and I understand nobody should pre-empt the results of an inquest, if one was to be held. However, I would like to make a point from personal experience that when tragedies occur, grief can be compounded if people feel the system has let them down. More than anyone, the person who deserves answers is Louisa’s older brother Tass. He deserves to be acknowledged for his tenacity. He has never given up on his sister and will never let her be forgotten. Her untimely passing in 2011 has not just affected her family; her story has shocked thousands of people in Melbourne because of the continuing concerns about women’s safety. Over 22,000 people have signed a petition asking for an inquest. I encourage the coroner to take all of this into account when making their determination.