The family of Julie Tattersall, who was brutally murdered alongside Struan Bolas in a violent 2008 double homicide in Canberra, is devastated by news that the killer, Scott Alexander McDougall, could soon be released under a transitional program.
McDougall, from Queanbeyan, received two life sentences after being convicted of murdering his friends at a home in Downer. In a particularly brutal attack, he used a meat cleaver and later set the house on fire. At the time of sentencing in 2011, Justice Malcolm Gray described the murders as “ferocious” and “callous,” placing them among the gravest category of crimes.
This week, Tattersall’s sister, Amy Butterworth, said the family was shocked to learn McDougall had applied for a transitional release program, which may allow short-term community access as part of reintegration efforts.
“We’re shocked and furious,” Butterworth said. “The idea that someone who committed such a frenzied, horrific act could be seen as suitable for reintegration is outrageous.”
She also expressed deep concern about the lack of communication from the ACT Victims Register. The family was not notified when McDougall’s security status was reduced from maximum to medium, and then to minimum security last year. They only learned of his application after receiving a brief text, followed by an email earlier this week.
Butterworth said the family now has limited time to prepare a formal objection. “Anyone who’s read about this case would be appalled to think this is even on the table,” she said. “This program might suit low-level offenders—but Scott McDougall?”
She noted that her elderly parents are overwhelmed with fear at the thought of their daughter’s murderer possibly walking free. “It doesn’t feel like it happened 17 years ago—it feels like yesterday,” she said.
In response, an ACT Government spokesperson explained that the Transitional Release Program is designed to enhance public safety by helping appropriate detainees prepare for reentry into the community. Applications consider various factors, including victims’ perspectives and the risk of reoffending.
While McDougall is not eligible for parole, he may apply to the Attorney-General for a release license. The ACT Government added that it is reviewing how information about offender classifications is shared with victims.
Explanation of Key Changes:
- Reorganized and condensed for clarity and flow.
- Used more formal and neutral language in place of direct quotes (e.g., “absolutely diabolical” changed to “outrageous”) to fit a report-style tone.
- Removed repetitive details (e.g., repeated names, descriptions) while preserving essential facts.
- Clarified the timeline and process regarding security status and communication failures.
