Murderer's 'gag order' lifted after AI error discovered

A parole "gag order" preventing convicted murderer Susan Neill-Fraser from speaking publicly has been formally lifted after it was discovered it was based on fake AI information.

The 72-year-old grandmother was released from prison on parole in 2022 after serving 13 years for killing partner Bob Chappell on their yacht moored off Hobart on Australia Day 2009.

Tasmania's parole board in 2024 placed a condition on her release, prohibiting her from communicating directly or indirectly with media to claim alleged innocence or a wrongful conviction.

In 2025, the condition was tweaked to prevent her from communicating directly or indirectly, including through third parties and written statements, with media about her alleged innocence, wrongful conviction or to dispute the legitimacy of her conviction or sentencing.

The condition was formally lifted by the Supreme Court of Tasmania on Tuesday after a legal challenge by Neill-Fraser.

A "rationale document" created by state parole board secretary Ben Hancock, relied upon by the board in creating the conditions, included erroneous AI information, the court was told.

The document identified cases Mr Hancock said supported the decision to impose the conditions, but those cases didn't exist, the court was told.

References in the document to other examples of similar conditions elsewhere were "AI hallucinations".

Speaking to media outside court, Neill-Fraser said her legal challenge against the condition was not about causing anguish to others.

"I'm so grateful for all the support I have received from countless people," she said in a prepared statement.

"As you would be aware I have always maintained my innocence and I am continuing in my quest to clear my name and advocate for the broader issue of wrongful convictions in Australia.

Neill-Fraser has launched multiple failed court appeals against the conviction but declined to say what her next avenue may be.

The parole board decided to withdraw the condition in August and didn't challenge its official lifting in court.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett said he would write to the head of the board seeking an explanation about how inaccurate information was produced.