Photo: Dallas Kilponen

The changes to the Corrections Act 1986 create a presumption against parole when a person is convicted of taking a person’s life and does not assist in locating the body.

The bill is comprehensive, covering murder, conspiracy to murder, manslaughter, and accessory to murder.

Sentencing reforms are also part of the law changes, to facilitate greater cooperation with authorities by convicted felons, and bring closure to the families of victims sooner.

By amending the Sentencing Act, the courts will have to take into account at the time of sentencing whether the whereabouts of the body is known, and if the offender has cooperated in locating the body.

The Labor Government’s broader set of offences, together with a thorough sentencing component, will mean more families who have lost a loved one to shocking crimes have a better chance of getting justice.

These changes will apply to anyone currently in jail and anyone who commits these crimes in the future.

These latest reforms ensure Victoria continues to have the toughest set of parole laws in the country.