In response to Advocacy Australia's request for an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of Bridgette "Biddy" Porter on behalf of Biddy's parents, overnight we learned that after considering our application the NSW State Coroner, Her Honour Magistrate O'Sullivan, is of the opinion that an inquest should be held.
Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia said, "We welcome the State Coroner's decision in the hope that Biddy's parents will learn what led to Biddy's horrific killing, and hope that the knowledge gained through an inquest might help prevent other similar killings."
The request to the NSW State Coroner was part of a strategic campaign conducted by Advocacy Australia to initiate an investigation into the circumstances into Biddy's horrific death, as well as calls for inquiries and reforms of relevant government agencies through the launch of the Justice for Biddy Porter e-Petition in July 2024.
The e-petition calling for Parliamentary Inquiries into the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions' (DPP) handling of the case against Biddy's self-confessed killer and the Mental Health Review Tribunal's (MHRT) lack of transparency and accountability; reform of the Department of Communities and Justice Victims' Support Services (VSS); and, a Coronial Inquest into the circumstances surrounding Biddy's death received 40,004 signatures - 21,550 from NSW and a further 18,454 non-NSW residents.
"Following Minister Rose Jackson MP's announcement to introduce the Mental Health Legislation Amendment Bill to the New South Wales Parliament a week ago, today's announcement that there will be an inquest is a major step forward in achieving justice for precious Biddy," she said.
"We are most grateful to Her Honour Magistrate O'Sullivan and the Office of the Coroner for reviewing Biddy's case and agreeing to conduct the inquest to identify the underlying factors that contributed to Biddy's death may help prevent other similar attacks and killings by minors," Ms Collins said.
Details of when the inquest will be conducted are yet to be advised.
