Childers’ Backpackers fire 20 years on.

It was like only yesterday that I received the call to assist the Insureds following the horrific arson attack on their backpackers hostel in Childers, Queensland. While our Queensland office did much of the work, I was nevertheless heavily involved and visited the site over the course of the claim and subsequently.

There were a number of insurance issues that had to be addressed, including the usual suspects of under insurance, the landlord abrogating the insurances to the tenant, just to name a few. But while stressful, these were minor compared to the tragic loss of life of so many innocent souls.

I see that the person charged with the crime is now seeking parole.

I have ummed and ahed about sharing my thoughts on whether he should be released. With my daughter holding a Doctorate in Psychology, we have discussed the pros and cons of long prison sentences, not necessarily on this case, many times. I believe I understand all the arguments.

This to me is one of those cases where you lock the guilty person up, and throw away the key. Not only did he light the fire, but he also barred the doors so those inside could not escape. While I am normally a strong advocate against the death penalty, cases like this really put that position to the test in my mind.

The lives of the families of the fifteen people who lost their lives will not be over this, and I see that many of them are calling for his continued imprisonment.

While there is a cost to the community to keep people incarcerated, this is a price society needs to pay. I also feel that the number of serious crimes committed of late by those out on bail or parole is too high, and any wrong decision in such matters has enormous consequences for the next victim and their families.

I wait with interest to see what happens.