Convicted murderer Sue Neill-Fraser can now talk to media, law centre says

Sue Neill-Fraser, who is serving a sentence for the 2009 murder of her partner Bob Chappell, has had a significant parole condition removed, allowing her to speak with the media. This development follows a legal challenge by the Human Rights Law Centre against a restrictive gag order that had been in place.

The gag order, initially imposed in December 2024 as part of Neill-Fraser's parole conditions, prohibited her from speaking to any media outlet to claim innocence or a wrongful conviction. This was replaced in May 2025 with an even more restrictive condition that broadly banned her from asserting claims about her innocence, wrongful conviction, or the legitimacy of her sentencing through any public or broadcast media, including third parties and online platforms.

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Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, and we are pleased that Susan is no longer subject to a restriction that prevented her from being able to participate in public debate.

The Human Rights Law Centre argued that the new condition was unreasonable and violated Neill-Fraser's freedom of political communication. The organization's legal director, Sarah Schwartz, stated that the removal of the condition is an important vindication of Neill-Fraser's rights. She emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that individuals with experience of incarceration are vital voices in discussions about the criminal justice system.

Neill-Fraser was convicted of murdering her partner, Bob Chappell, aboard his yacht in Hobart in 2009. She has consistently maintained her innocence throughout her 13 years of imprisonment and subsequent release on parole in 2022. The parole board has declined to comment on the removal of the condition, citing privacy reasons, while the Attorney-General's office has been contacted for comment. The case related to Neill-Fraser's parole conditions is scheduled to return to court.

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People who have experienced incarceration are often among the most important voices in discussions about the criminal legal system, and protecting their ability to speak out and advocate for change is an important safeguard against injustice.