It is known as the Crimes (Appeal and Review) Amendment (Double Jeopardy) Bill 2019 and for the families of the three children murdered in Bowraville 30 years ago, there is a lot riding on it.
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The bill, which was tabled by Greens MP David Shoebridge in NSW Parliament in May, seeks to expand the definition of fresh evidence, which would allow a second retrial application to be made in exceptional circumstances.
It is currently with the Standing Committee on Law and Justice for inquiry and report ... and hence the request for submissions.
In an interview with the Guardian Mr Shoebridge said he strongly encouraged anyone who was concerned about the double jeopardy laws to write a submission ... no matter how simple or complex.
"These laws don't always deliver justice," Mr Shoebridge said.
"And I would particularly encourage members of the legal community to consider this because there is more than one view in the legal community about these laws."
He said while some held "absolute views" about double jeopardy, there were others, like himself, who believed "the system can misfire" and that needs to be recognised in the law.
"I don't believe it is black and white."
In layman's terms, the amendment seeks to allow evidence to be viewed as 'fresh' if it was previously provided to a court, but rejected because of tough rules. If those rules have now changed, then the evidence would be seen as 'fresh' if presented at a later trial.
He said he and other committee members were in Bowraville on Monday for a private briefing with the families, and he thanked his colleagues for that.
"This is an inquiry into my bill to reform double jeopardy law ... but there may well be alternative ways of obtaining the same result, which is why I for one encourage all ideas."
Submissions can be made via the NSW Parliament website or emailed to law@parliament.nsw.gov.au. Closing date is this Sunday, June 30.
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