Qld's worst criminals facing indefinite life sentences under parole overhaul

Some of Queensland's most dangerous prisoners, including wife-killer Gerard Baden-Clay, may never be released from jail, under legislation introduced to state parliament.

The proposed overhaul to parole laws will expand the definition of a restricted prisoner to apply to anyone serving a life sentence.

Restricted prisoners, currently defined as child killers or murderers who kill more than one person, face harsher parole eligibility and can have their potential release pushed back up to 10 years.

Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber told parliament the legislation could prevent offenders from ever being granted parole.

"Some of the most dangerous offenders who commit the most heinous crimes, including domestic violence, murderers, rapists, sadistic killers, could stay locked up for life," she said.

"Life should mean life. And that is why there's no limit to how many times the Parole Board could prevent a restricted prisoner from being released on parole under our laws."

The legislation will also close a loophole relating to no body, no parole laws, where the offender could escape punishment if the remains were destroyed.

"These changes send a clear message that if a prisoner hasn't done everything they can to reveal the location of a victim's body, they will not be granted parole," Ms Gerber told the House.

Victims living true life sentences

Gerard Baden-Clay, who murdered his wife Allison in 2012, was due to have his parole assessed next year.

Under the laws, his potential release could be pushed back by at least 10 years.

Allison Baden-Clay's sister Vanessa Fowler, standing with her parents, said the prospect of his release had haunted them.

"We've now lived the last 14 years with a thought in the back of our minds, knowing that the parole date will eventually arrive," she said.

"We know that with these laws in place, we now have the confidence of certainty.

"We know that there is hope. Hope that we can continue to live our lives."

The legislation will require victim submissions to be considered at every stage of the parole application.

Dannielle Carroll, whose sister Kelly Wilkinson was murdered by her estranged husband Brian Earl Johnston in 2021, said it was a vital measure.

"Kelly's children were just eight, six and two when they witnessed their father murder their mother horrifically in their own home," Ms Carroll said.

"That is a true life sentence, and that will now be taken into consideration when applying for parole."

There are currently 71 restricted prisoners in Queensland jails, and 334 offenders serving life sentences.

The overhaul follows a review of Queensland's Parole Board, with the government accepting, or supporting in principle, 31 of 46 recommendations.

They include requiring community safety be the main factor in deciding parole, and notifying a victim when their offender is granted release.

Parole Board decisions can be published when in the public interest.

The Labor opposition said it will wait to consider the legislation before settling on a position.