It’s been 15 years since Sue Neill-Fraser’s now discredited trial, but spurred on by the latest Etter/Selby report tabled in Parliament which sets out new material challenging the conviction, Tasmanians are calling for an inquiry– again.
The Mercury has today (Nov. 17, 2025) published three letters to the Editor probably representative of many more concerned citizens, under the headline:
Neill-Fraser case is ripe for big inquiry.
For years, graffiti on the side of Hobart’s City Mission declared:
“There is no justice; only just us.” That may ring true, but it must not be the final word in the case of Sue Neill-Fraser.
The latest Etter/Selby paper exposes serious flaws at the core of the DNA evidence used against her.
These revelations demand urgent action.
Now, more than ever, Tasmania needs a Commission of Inquiry into miscarriages of justice, starting with its most glaring example.
Lynn Giddings
Howrah
Sue just like Lindy
We must spare a thought for Sue Neill-Fraser, who served a 13-year sentence for the murder of her partner Bob Chappell.
All evidence was circumstantial as no body was found. She had the right of presumption of innocence.
The sentence handed down was manifestly excessive based on circumstantial evidence. In turn, the judiciary placed a gag clause as part of the condition of her release. What does the judiciary have to hide?
It is reminiscent of the Lindy Chamberlain case where she was accused of murdering her baby Azaria at Uluru but was later acquitted as it was deemed that a dingo was responsible.
Phil Georgeff
Dover
Gnawing doubt
The recent revelations relating to the conviction of Sue Neill-Fraser for the murder of Bob Chappell, her partner, must galvanise action to get to the bottom of what actually happened that fateful night and the basis on which Sue was convicted. Gnawing doubt remains. New information raises further doubts about the safety of her conviction. This issue can no longer be swept under the carpet.
Wrongful convictions do occur in Australia as elsewhere.
An independent commission of inquiry into the alleged failures of the justice system in the Sue Neill-Fraser case is imperative.
A hallmark of democracy is justice.
It requires truth and accountability.
Justice for Sue is justice for all.
Ruth Graham
Taroona
We publish these letters in the belief that only public pressure will help to dislodge the stubborn refusal of Tasmania’s establishment to establish the review Taswegians – and the rule of law – demand.