Best of: Is Australia’s worst serial killer living in Byron Bay?
Dec 23, 2024
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Jeremy Buckingham, Independent MP and advocate for missing persons issues, discusses his alarming findings about 67 unresolved cases of women in New South Wales. He raises the possibility of a serial killer linked to these disappearances, particularly in Byron Bay. Buckingham emphasizes the systemic neglect faced by marginalized groups in investigations. He calls for heightened awareness and resource allocation to address the rising violence against women, urging a reassessment of police priorities to ensure justice.
Jeremy Buckingham highlights the alarming number of unresolved cases of missing or murdered women along the NSW coast, suggesting a potential serial killer's influence.
He emphasizes the need for systemic changes in police investigations to ensure marginalized victims receive equal attention and justice in cold cases.
Deep dives
Unresolved Cases and Community Impact
The discussion centers around 67 unresolved cases of missing or murdered women along the New South Wales north coast, highlighting significant similarities in the victims and methods involved. Jeremy Buckingham raises concerns that these unsolved cases possibly indicate the presence of a serial killer, drawing parallels to notorious cases in the region's history. He emphasizes the distressing reality that often these crimes are poorly investigated, leaving families without answers and communities in fear. The apparent lack of police action in addressing these disappearances adds to the urgency of these claims, especially as local women share their own narratives of distress related to safety in the area.
Criticism of Law Enforcement Response
Buckingham addresses the criticism he received for suggesting that a serial killer may be at work, asserting that what's truly alarming is the lack of resolution for these crimes. He points out that many of the victims share similar backgrounds, often being marginalized individuals, which may influence the level of urgency or resources allocated by law enforcement. The disparity in police response in different socio-economic regions raises concerns about equality in the pursuit of justice. Buckingham argues that if these cases involved individuals from more affluent areas, the response would likely be swifter and more vigorous.
Advocating for Systematic Change
Buckingham advocates for the reinvigoration of task forces to thoroughly investigate these cold cases, stressing the need for specialized resources and support from the government. He suggests involving retired police officers to leverage their experience in reviewing past evidence and applying modern investigative techniques like DNA comparison. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of accountability within the police force and the judicial system to ensure these cases receive the attention they rightfully deserve. His push for parliamentary action aims to amplify community demands for justice and a systemic overhaul in how such cases are addressed.
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Best of Deep Dive: Is it possible that there’s a serial killer wreaking havoc along the NSW coast?
That’s the question raised by Jeremy Buckingham, Legalise Cannabis Party MP and member of NSW legislative council earlier in the year.
In an impassioned address to parliament at the end of October, the MP made the case for the state to take a serious look at 67 missing or murdered women along the NSW north coast between 1977 and 2009.
As part of The Briefing’s Best of Summer Series, we’re revisiting Sacha Barbour Gatt’s chat with Jeremy earlier in the year where he unpacked his claims and laid out why he chose to raise the issue before Parliament.