David Templeman with Margaret and Ray Dodd and the petition.
Camera IconDavid Templeman with Margaret and Ray Dodd and the petition. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

ALP seeks parole law change

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

More than 20,000 people have signed an online petition supporting the families of murder victims pushing for the laws, presented to Parliament last week by Mandurah MLA David Templeman.

WA Labor will change the law to ensure convicted murderers help and co-operate with police to locate the bodies of their victims before they can ever be released on parole.

The new laws would require the Prisoner’s Review Board to obtain and consider a report from police about the prisoner’s co-operation in the investigation.

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The prisoner would not be eligible for parole unless the Board was satisfied the prisoner had satisfactorily co-operated in the investigation of the whereabouts of a victim’s remains.

Mr Templeman said he admired the efforts of the Dodd family whose daughter Hayley has never been found, and other parents and families who were advocating for the laws.

“At the end of the day, families who have lost a loved one in such tragic and horrific circumstances want to lay them to rest,’’ he said.

“They have never had a chance to say a proper goodbye.”

Mr Templeman said such laws already existed in South Australia and were being pursued in Victoria and Queensland.

“Why is WA always the last state to implement laws which really make sense and are victim and victim family focused?” he asked.

He said he was also appalled the Premier and Attorney General had dismissed the move as a “stunt”.

“What an appalling reaction to the grieving families of loved ones who simply want justice to be served on those perpetrators convicted of murder in WA,’’ he said.