Childers backpacker arsonist has parole application denied

Acting Premier Steven Miles said he supported the parole board’s decision not to approve his request to be released.

“I know that the wounds from that particular incident still run deep not just in Childers but around the state, the country and indeed the world,” he said.

“Fifteen lives were lost, so to the extent that I can have a personal opinion, I would endorse what the parole board have decided to do.

“That was a heinous, heinous crime … an awful crime, one of Queensland’s worst, and I do not think there would be many Queenslanders clamouring for him to be released.”