13 hours ago
Childers Palace Backpackers arsonist Robert Paul Long not being considered for parole
The killer responsible for a deadly hostel fire that claimed the lives of 15 people almost 25 years ago is not being considered for parole because he is considered a "restricted prisoner".
Robert Paul Long was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 20 years for setting fire to the Childers Palace Backpacker Hostel in Queensland on June 23, 2000.
There were 88 people inside, mostly young travellers visiting Australia from overseas.
Many of them woke to loud cracking sounds and the smell of fire, and frantically crawled through the thick smoke holding onto each other as they escaped.
But fifteen people — nine women and six men — were tragically killed.
Long, who was 37 at the time, was tracked down days later hiding in bushland, where he attacked a police officer with a knife.
The officer drew his firearm and shot at Long, who was injured in the ear before he was finally arrested.
Two years later he was convicted of arson, as well as the murders of Australian twins Kelly and Stacey Slarke.
Since then he has been confined to the walls of Wolston Correctional Centre, but has made multiple attempts to be freed.
Long made an application for parole, but the president of the Queensland Parole Board must decide whether to make a restricted prisoner declaration before he is considered for release.
A declaration can vary in length, but could mean he would not be able to apply for parole for up to 10 years.
"The parole application is not being considered while the restricted prisoner matter is determined by the president," a statement from Queensland Corrective Services said.
A decision on the declaration will be made after victims have been given time to make submissions.
