The bill has been dubbed “Lyn’s law” after last month’s conviction of former Sydney teacher Chris Dawson for the murder of his wife Lynette. Source: Twitter.
New parole laws in NSW will deny parole to offenders who refuse to provide information on the where their victim’s remains are.
The NSW government is expected to introduce legislation this week for all inmates in the state.
Under the “no body no parole” laws, convicted murderers would need to disclose the whereabouts of the victim’s body to have any chance of being granted parole.
About six prisoners in NSW jails would be affected by the new laws.
The bill has been dubbed “Lyn’s law” after last month’s conviction of former Sydney teacher Chris Dawson for the murder of his wife Lynette.
The body of the 33-year-old mother of two has never been found after she disappeared from their northern beaches home in 1982.
Chris Dawson pleaded not guilty to her murder and is set to appeal.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the proposed bill will eliminate any chance of parole if offenders refuse to cooperate.
“We will make it impossible for offenders who wilfully and deliberately refuse to disclose information about their victim’s remains, to be granted parole,” Perrottet said.
“Being unable to locate a loved one’s body is extremely distressing and traumatic for the families and friends of victims and it denies a victim the dignity of being laid to rest appropriately.
“These laws are to stop inmates convicted of murder or homicide offences from getting parole unless they co-operate with police to end the torment of families and return to them the remains of their loved ones.”
The State Parole Authority (SPA) would need to consider advice form the NSW Police and other authorities regarding the level of cooperation in order to grant parole to a prisoner convicted of murder or homicide offences.
“Any offender in prison coming up for parole should really think hard about maintaining their refusal to cooperate with police if they want to retain their prospects of getting parole,” said Corrections Minister Geoff Lee.
“No body no parole” laws are already in place in Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
