Sustained advocacy from a murder victim's family has compelled the ACT government to announce a comprehensive review of a prison policy that permitted a convicted double murderer to apply for temporary release from custody.
Policy Under Scrutiny After Offender's Application
The ACT Minister for Corrections, Dr Marisa Paterson, has confirmed the Alexander Maconochie Centre's transitional release policy will be examined in early 2026. This follows public reporting by The Canberra Times in July 2025 that the territory was considering an application from Scott McDougall for the program.
McDougall, now in his 50s, is serving two life sentences for the brutal 2008 murders of Julie Tattersall, 38, and Struan Bolas, 45. He received an additional five-year sentence for arson after admitting to trying to destroy evidence. No non-parole period was set in his sentence.
Minister Paterson outlined the review plans in a letter responding to concerns raised by Ms Tattersall's sister, Belinda Siataga. The review will be led by ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) and will consult with stakeholders, including the Victims of Crime Commissioner.
Victim Advocacy Forces Government Action
The government ultimately rejected McDougall's application after it provoked significant outrage from victims' families, community members, and even prompted ACT Policing to formally advise against his entry into the program.
According to the minister's letter, Victims Support ACT will contact all registered victims in early 2026 to seek their input into the policy evaluation. "This review aims to improve the program and ensure a victim-centred approach," the letter stated.
Following the controversy, the government amended the transitional release policy to impose stricter criteria. The change was designed to prevent life-sentenced offenders without a non-parole period from applying for transitional release unless they have a determined release date.
Communication Failures and Family Concerns
Ms Siataga has repeatedly raised issues regarding accountability and systemic problems within the ACT government, particularly concerning victim safety. Freedom of information documents revealed that ACTCS downgraded McDougall's security classification to "minimum" in December 2024, but victim families were not notified until seven months later when he applied for the prison program.
In her letter, Minister Paterson explained limitations in communicating security information to victims. She stated that security classifications are reviewed multiple times weekly to manage detainee arrangements and that notifying victims of every change is not considered operationally viable.
Ms Siataga countered this position, arguing that changes to an offender's classification directly impact a victim's sense of safety and confidence in the justice system. She pointed out that other correctional jurisdictions outside the ACT successfully inform victims of such changes.
"It is also difficult to reconcile the position that notification is not operationally viable when other correctional jurisdictions outside the ACT are able to inform victims of security classification changes, including for serious and life-sentenced offenders," Ms Siataga said.
The transitional release program, based at a centre in Hume outside the main jail, is designed to provide short-term leave for minimum-security offenders to support reintegration. Activities can include attending educational courses, work experience, and community events.
