THE parents of two North East murder victims were among those who gathered on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House yesterday calling for changes to the state’s justice system.
Graham Howie, whose son Lachlan was stabbed to death at Chiltern in 2008, has previously welcomed a review of a defence law that could have protected his son’s killer.
Lachlan’s killer was sentenced to 18 years’ jail with a non-parole period of 15 years, but Mr Howie believes the sentence was too light and juries should have a role in the sentencing process because judges are not meeting community expectations.
He argues that juries are already fully familiar with the case they have previously sat through and could have up to 50 per cent input into a sentencing decision.
Bruce and Jean Kimball, whose son Ross was murdered in central Albury eight years ago, have formed Support After Murder in Victoria Incorporated.
They believe victims of crime and their families deserve more support, particularly after court proceedings are finalised.
Their group, and others involved in yesterday’s gathering want to see action ahead of November’s Victorian election.
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