Convicted murderer Susan Neill-Fraser’s bid to overturn a parole condition that prevents her from speaking to the media has experienced delays amid political turbulence.
The 71-year-old served 13 years behind bars after being found guilty of murdering her partner Bob Chappell, who disappeared off their yacht moored in Hobart in 2009.
Neill-Fraser, who has maintained her innocence, was released on parole in 2022.
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She has lodged a legal challenge against a parole condition preventing her from communicating directly or indirectly with media to “claim her alleged innocence and/or wrongful conviction”.
The matter appeared before the Supreme Court of Tasmania for an administrative hearing today.
It was adjourned for another administrative mention on September 10, when it is hoped a date for a substantive hearing can be set.
Neill-Fraser’s lawyer Patrick Coleridge told the court there had been some delay in the case and it was “getting a bit long in the tooth”.
The Human Rights Law Centre in April revealed it had filed legal proceedings against the “restrictive” parole condition.
Lawyer representing the Parole Board of Tasmania, Simon Gates, indicated he was appearing as a courtesy to the court and he did not have instructions from the attorney-general.
Tasmania’s public sector is in caretaker mode after an election delivered another hung parliament, with a vote of MPs next week to confirm whether the Liberals or Labor rule.
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Coleridge said he was seeking further disclosure of information from the parole board.
Speaking outside court, president of Neill-Fraser’s supporter group, Rosie Crumpton-Crook, said slow progress in the case was disheartening.
Neill-Fraser, who was not present in court, was initially sentenced to 26 years’ jail in 2010.
She was found to have attacked Chappell on their yacht and dumped his body in the river, before attempting to sink the boat in order to get rid of evidence.
The grandmother has lodged several appeals against her conviction, including in the High Court, but all have failed.
The Human Rights Law Centre says the media ban parole condition is improper, unlawful and in breach of the constitutionally implied freedom of political communication.
At a rally in 2024, Neill-Fraser’s daughter Sarah Bowles said her mother was living with the limitations of her parole.
“She’s unable to speak with you, she’s unable to leave the state and has many, many limitations on her life,” Bowles told the crowd.
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