Serial killer Paul Denyer is set to stay behind bars for life as the Victorian government introduces new laws to restrict parole for serious offenders.
The Frankson killer was given three life sentences for the murders of Natalie Russell, 17, Elizabeth Stevens, 18, and Debbie Fream, 22, in 1993.
Denyer was eligible for parole in May but his application was refused, prompting the loved ones of victims to push for legal changes to stop him from making further applications.
The Victorian government has announced laws will be passed by parliament tomorrow to “further restrict parole for prisoners convicted of murder, killing children and serious sexual offences”.
The government said the reforms would spare victims and their loved ones the pain of repeatedly reliving their trauma.
Denyer will be named in the legislation to make sure he cannot be released from prison unless he is “terminally ill or incapacitated”.
Brian Russell, the father of victim Natalie, said he was elated by the decision.
“A tremendous weight has been lifted off our shoulders,” Russell said.
“The Attorney General has done a fantastic job.
“Not only will Denyer not see the light of day again, this legislation looks at the whole parole system.
“There are some good changes which will benefit people who have been in our situation.”
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Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan said parole was not a right.
“People who commit unimaginable crimes belong behind bars – not back on our streets,” Erdogan said.
“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.”
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said the family of the victims continued to grieve.
“These changes can’t heal their pain but they can provide the certainty he won’t hurt another woman again.”
Prisoners serving a life sentence will also be restricted from reapplying for parole after their application has been rejected.
The legislation will give the adult parole board the power to declare ‘restricted prisoners’, who will be “unable to apply for release for between five and ten years after serving the non-parole period of their sentence”, the Victorian government explained in a statement.
“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.”
