Woombye resident fights to change murderer parole rights

By Richard BruinsmaNever in her wildest dreams did Woombye resident Tania Blood expect to step out of her comfortable life to become an activist fighting to change the parole rights for murderers.But her focus and motivation changed in the handful of years since her brother Bruce Schuler went missing in Palmerville, north Queensland.Bruce was enjoying his favourite past time, gold fossicking, when he was believed murdered in mid-2012.His body has never been found.“They had black trackers, horses, police and dogs, searching out there for days, and everything turned up nothing,” Mrs Blood said of the events on an outback property.A local couple was charged with murder, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in July. However, they have since lodged an appeal that is still to be heard by the courts.As is often the case when ordinary people are drawn into extraordinary circumstances, in this matter the difficult experiences have taught the family a thing or two about Queensland’s laws for convicted murderers.As result, Bruce’s partner of 32 years, Fiona Splitt, has launched a petition to the Queensland Parliament to change current laws so that those convicted and jailed for murder cannot apply for parole if the body of the victim has not been recovered.It’s called the “No Body, No Parole” rule. The family believes it will help not only them, but everyone in a similar situation.The South Australian government plans to introduce its similar proposed “No body, no parole” laws to parliament shortly.Mrs Blood has joined Ms Splitt in the campaign to amend the Corrective Services Act 2006 to have the same rulesintroduced here in Queensland.“He had his full fossicking gear on, his clothing, hat, metal detector, his car keys, and nothing has ever been found,” Mrs Blood said of her brother’s death.“We just want closure for the family.”Already the petition has almost 1400 signatures. The family would like as many signatures as possible before January 7 to send a strong message to legislators to change the laws.In part, the petition says: “By making parole contingent upon the location of the body, it is hoped that this may give some closure to the victim's family and provide incentive for prisoners to co-operate with police and other authorities.”To sign the petition, visit www.parliament.qld.gov.au and scroll down to “sign a petition”. Then search for “No body no parole rule”.Or navigate to here: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petitionsHard copy versions of the petition can be signed at the Woombye Newsagent and at the Woombye Bakery.PHOTOWoombye’s Tania Blood is pushing for a law change that prevents convicted murderers applying for parole if their victim’s body has never been found.Headline:HH\’;ef][;eq][rfl;e][