Published August 2025
The Malinauskas Labor Government must immediately review the decision to grant parole to convicted Snowtown murderer James Vlassakis.
The move is not only out of step with community expectations but is also an insult to the victims' families who continue to be impacted by the crime decades on.
Shadow Attorney-General, Josh Teague said the public outcry over the decision sends a clear and overwhelming message that South Australians are shocked and expect better.
"It's time for the Government to do its job to protect the community and maintain public confidence in the justice system by lodging a parole review," Mr Teague said.
"How was this ever allowed to happen? The fact that James Vlasskis is even being considered for parole is incomprehensible to most South Australians. There is a really important role for the Government here to work alongside the Police Commissioner and the Victims of the Crime Commissioner and ensure a review is requested as a matter or urgency."
Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Police and Correctional Services, Jack Batty added that Labor must take immediate steps to review this decision today.
"The Government has the power to act - and the public expects them to use that power," Mr Batty added.
"This is one of the most heinous crimes in our history and South Australians have not forgotten the horror, nor the incredible pain suffered by the victims and their families. Not to review this decision would be a complete betrayal to the victims, their families, and every South Australian who would be rightly concerned about their safety if this were allowed to happen".
Media Contact: Gretel Mead 0449 500 844
