Killer arsonist in parole bid ahead of fire anniversary
A killer arsonist has applied for parole as a community prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of a horror blaze that claimed 15 lives.
However those impacted by the fatal fire will have their say before officials determine Robert Paul Long's parole status.
Homeless fruit picker Long was jailed for life after torching the Palace Backpackers Hostel in the small southern Queensland town of Childers in June 2000.
At the time there were 88 people in the century-old building.
Fifteen young travellers died in the early morning blaze including nine in a single room that had barred windows and an exit blocked by furniture.
Long has applied for parole ahead of the fatal fire's 25th anniversary on Monday, to be marked by a Bundaberg Regional Council-led commemoration.
However his application has been set aside while officials wait on victim submissions as they determine Long's parole status as a restricted prisoner.
"Due to the magnitude of the crimes committed by prisoner Long, he is a restricted prisoner," Parole Board Queensland said in a statement.
The board's president is yet to decide on whether to make a restricted prisoner declaration which would ensure Long could not apply for parole for up to 10 years.
"Prisoner Long will remain in Queensland Corrective Services custody while the restricted prisoner matter is being determined," the board said.
"The president has recently been informed that a number of victims wish to make submissions to the board following the 25th anniversary of Mr Long's crimes," the parole board said.
"Under the restricted prisoner framework the president must take into account the submissions of an eligible person when making his decision."
No timeframe has been given for when the president will determine the declaration.
Long set fire to a bin inside the hostel, using cushions and paper towels to make sure it spread.
He fled and was found days later by police, stabbing an officer in the jaw during his arrest.
Nine women and six men died in the blaze but Long was only ever prosecuted for the murders of Australian twins Stacey and Kelly Slarke.
Authorities decided not to pursue him over the other 13 deaths because they believed he'd be unlikely to serve any more time.
The Childers hostel is now a memorial featuring a portrait of the 15 victims.
Long was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 20 years.
His parole application in 2020 was rejected after local community members, survivors and the victims' families signed a petition against his release.
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