In a noteworthy development, the attorney-general of South Australia has taken steps to challenge the decision that allows Snowtown murderer James Vlassakis to be granted parole. This move signals ongoing concerns regarding the release of individuals involved in high-profile criminal cases.

Frances Nelson, chair of the Parole Board, previously noted that Vlassakis seemed to exhibit “genuine remorse” for his actions, which played a role in the initial decision to grant parole. However, this perspective has not been universally accepted.

Opposing this decision, the families of Vlassakis’ victims have expressed their disapproval, arguing that his release is undeserved. Their voices reflect the deep emotional wounds still present from the crimes committed.

Responding to these concerns, Attorney-General Kyam Maher has formally submitted an appeal to reassess the parole approval. Confirmation of this appeal has come from Michael David, the Parole Administrative Review Commissioner, underscoring the seriousness of the matter.

While the attorney-general’s office has refrained from making public comments on the ongoing proceedings, the appeal indicates a commitment to reviewing important decisions that impact public safety and justice.

”There are strict confidentiality provisions governing reviews by the Parole Administrative Review Commissioner and under the Act, only the Commissioner or a Court can authorise disclosure of information,” a spokesperson said.

The matter will be heard by the commissioner, and a directions hearing will be held in the coming days to outline the next steps.

Vlassakis, the youngest of the three killers, was 19 when he was jailed for helping kill four of 11 people between 1992 and 1999.

His stepfather, John Bunting, was the ringleader who convinced Vlassakis and Robert Wagner to help him.

Bunting and Wagner remain behind bars.

The series of murders came to light when police discovered bodies decaying in barrels in an unused bank vault in Snowtown, about 150 kilometres north of Adelaide. 

Police found and linked another four bodies to the killers.

However, there were only murder convictions for three of them.

The Snowtown murders are considered one of the state’s worst killings.