Victoria Police is facing fierce criticism after admitting it does not have the resources to warn women when their violent former partners are released from jail.
The decision came despite a recommendation from State Coroner John Cain, following the tragic murder of Noeline Dalzell in 2020 by her ex-partner James Fairhall, who had a long history of abuse. Fairhall was released from prison just three months before stabbing Ms Dalzell to death in front of their three children. She had not been notified.
In its official response, police told the Coroner’s Court they could not commit to a 48-hour warning system due to “resourcing and capacity” issues and the difficulty of contacting victims who may change phone numbers or avoid contact. Critics, including Ms Dalzell’s family, have labelled this excuse as “garbage”.
“Noeline would still be alive if she’d been warned,” said her sister-in-law, Jenny Dalzell. “Victims have the right to know when their abusers are free.”
Currently, notification only occurs if victims opt in to the Victorian Victims Register.
The Dalzell case is not isolated. In 2018, 28-year-old mother Bekkie-Rae Curren-Trinca was killed by her partner just after he was unexpectedly granted bail. She had previously expressed fear he would kill her.
Family violence incidents in Victoria have risen nearly 40% in recent years, with one offender arrested every 17 minutes. The situation is worsened by a shortage of over 1,100 police officers and warnings of a possible mass exodus by year’s end.
Shadow Police Minister David Southwick condemned the police response, saying, “Victims’ safety must be the priority. If police can’t meet basic obligations, the government has failed.”
Incoming Chief Commissioner Mike Bush is being urged to listen directly to victims. “Talk to us,” Jenny Dalzell pleaded. “Hear our stories.”
Helplines
If you are in immediate danger, call 000 for Police and Ambulance help!
- 1800RESPECT – http://www.1800respect.org.au/
- Lifeline – http://www.lifeline.org.au/
- Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
