The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has announced plans to review a policy permitting serious offenders to apply for transitional release from the Alexander Maconochie Centre in Canberra. This decision comes in response to sustained pressure from the family of murder victim Julie Tattersall, particularly her sister, Belinda Siataga. The review is set to take place in early 2026.
In July 2025, reports indicated that convicted killer Scott McDougall was considered for the transitional release program, which allows inmates to reintegrate into the community through short-term leave. McDougall, who is currently in his 50s, is serving two life sentences for the brutal murders of Tattersall and Struan Bolas in 2008, along with an additional five years for arson related to his attempt to destroy evidence.
Minister for Corrections Marisa Paterson confirmed the comprehensive review in a letter addressing the concerns raised by Siataga. This review will be led by ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) and will involve consultations with various stakeholders, including the Victims of Crime Commissioner. Victims Support ACT is expected to reach out to registered victims for their input during the review process.
The transitional release program, located outside the Alexander Maconochie Centre, aims to support rehabilitation by allowing minimum-security offenders to apply for leave to attend educational courses, work experience, and community events. Following the public outcry over McDougall’s application, the ACT government amended the policy to make it more difficult for life-sentenced prisoners to seek transitional release.
According to Minister Paterson’s letter, these amendments stipulate that life-sentenced offenders without a specified non-parole period must have a determined release date to be eligible for the program. Although McDougall is not qualified for parole, he may still apply for release on licence. If granted, he can subsequently re-apply for transitional release.
The government’s approach to notifying victim families about changes in offender classifications has come under scrutiny. Siataga expressed her ongoing concerns about the lack of accountability within the ACT government, particularly regarding victim safety. Documents obtained through freedom of information requests reveal that McDougall’s security classification was downgraded to “minimum” in December 2024, yet victim families were only informed seven months later when he applied for the program.
Minister Paterson provided some insight into the communication limitations between ACTCS and the Victims Register, stating that security classifications are frequently reviewed and may not warrant notifications to victims. She emphasized that it would not be operationally viable to inform victims of every change in security classification.
Siataga challenged this rationale, noting that changes in offender classifications can significantly impact a victim’s sense of safety and trust in the justice system. She compared the ACT’s notification practices unfavorably to those in other jurisdictions, where victims are regularly informed of such changes, especially concerning serious and life-sentenced offenders.
The review of the transitional release policy reflects a broader effort to address victim concerns and ensure a more victim-centered approach within the corrections system. As the ACT government moves forward, the outcomes of this review could significantly influence the treatment of serious offenders and the rights of victims in the territory.
