Media Release – Calls for Independent Inquiry into Sue Neill-Fraser case

Independent Member for Nelson, Meg Webb MLC today called for a State Commission of Inquiry into the Sue Neill-Fraser case, to put to rest the the serious questions raised over a possible miscarriage of justice. 

Ms Webb, who will address a Hobart rally today in support of Sue Neill-Fraser, said the case also highlighted the need to establish an Australian Criminal Cases Review Commission to review cases of possible wrongful conviction.

“The lack of an independent review mechanism which is truly at arms’ length from state authorities, risks undermining public confidence in Tasmania’s justice system,” Ms Webb said.

“In the absence of a federal Criminal Case Review Commission, the questions hanging over the Neill-Fraser case can only be resolved by the State Government establishing a longoverdue independent inquiry. The mechanism for that would be a State Commission of Inquiry.

“With recent examples such as the Folbigg case in NSW, we cannot pretend that there are not occasions where a miscarriage of justice may have occurred.

“The State Government’s denial of an independent inquiry for Sue Neill-Fraser’s case, in the face of resounding calls from thousands of community members and numerous national and international legal experts, is cruel and leaves a shadow looming over the performance
of Tasmania’s law enforcement and justice systems.

“We all want to have confidence in a Tasmanian criminal justice system that is fair, accessible and fit for purpose – an independent inquiry into the Neill-Fraser case is essential in delivering that confidence.” Ms Webb said.