Too much doubt surrounding Sue Neill-Fraser trial

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has again called for a review of the Sue Neill-Fraser trial at the ‘Too Much Doubt’ rally today.

“I’ve been following this matter for some time and remain concerned that Ms Neill Fraser was convicted in the absence of a body, weapon and motive,” Mr Wilkie said. “There is also ongoing concern about unanswered questions that arose during the case.

“I have made no comment on Ms Neill-Fraser’s guilt or innocence and do not presume to know the truth of this matter. However it is clear that any conviction built on circumstantial evidence must be beyond reasonable doubt and in this case there are simply too many doubts remaining.

“The list of people concerned about the trial is growing and includes eminent lawyer and researcher Dr Bob Moles who specialises in miscarriages of justice.

“The previous Tasmanian Government refused to examine the matter and the current Government continues to refuse to revisit it. This is despite the growing number of leading legal and civil liberties figures voicing their concern. The lack of political will to instigate a review that looks afresh at the trial proceedings is another failure of government leadership.

“Tasmania’s politicians have turned to jelly on this one. Almost no-one is prepared to act like a leader and to take on the establishment. Instead they prefer to hide behind the good names of the judiciary, legal profession, police force and media. That sort of self-interest just makes politicians part of the problem.

“For some, this is about guilt and innocence. For me, this is just as much about being able to have confidence in our justice system. Tasmanians deserve to feel served by fair and effective court processes and the doubt around this case blemishes an otherwise fine system.

“The lingering doubts about management of Ms Neill-Fraser’s trial undermine Tasmanians’ confidence in that system and this needs to be addressed by the Government.”
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison