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

Convicted murderer Sue Neill-Fraser will be allowed to speak to the media after a gag order that was part of her parole conditions was removed, the Human Rights Law Centre says.Neill-Fraser was found guilty of murdering her partner Bob Chappell aboard his yacht in Hobart in 2009.She served 13 years in prison and was released on parole in 2022.Sue Neill-Fraser was convicted of murdering her partner, Bob Chappell. (AAP/Supplied)In December 2024, the Tasmanian Parole Board added a condition that she not speak "directly or indirectly with any media outlet to claim [her] alleged innocence and/or wrongful conviction".This was replaced by a new parole condition in May 2025, which the Human Rights Law Centre said was more restrictive.The new condition prevented her from communicating "directly or indirectly — including through third parties, written statements, electronic communications, social media platforms, television, radio, podcasts, streaming services, online video-sharing platforms, or any other public or broadcast media — to assert claims regarding your alleged innocence, wrongful conviction, or dispute the legitimacy of your conviction or sentencing".On her behalf, the Human Rights Law Centre challenged this new condition in the Supreme Court of Tasmania last year, arguing it was unreasonable and breached her freedom of political communication.In a statement, the law centre said the parole board agreed to remove that condition on Tuesday.Sue Neill-Fraser, with Bob Chappell, and Sue's daughters. (Supplied)The Parole Board refused to confirm the condition's removal, telling the ABC it was unable to comment on individual matters or matters currently before the court.Attorney-General Guy Barnett has been contacted for comment.Neill-Fraser maintains innocenceSarah Schwartz, legal director at the Human Rights Law Centre, said the removal of the condition was an important vindication of Neill-Fraser's rights."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," Ms Schwartz said."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."Sue Neill-Fraser greeting supporters at rally in 2024 calling for an inquiry into her conviction. ( ABC News: Liz Gwynn )Neill-Fraser was arrested in August 2009, about seven months after Mr Chappell disappeared, and was convicted of murder by a jury.She has always maintained her innocence and has gained a loyal following of supporters over the years.The parole conditions case returns to court on Monday.