A family of a slain 10-year-old girl who felt silenced by the justice system have successfully pushed for an inquiry into the legal body that oversees offenders with mental illnesses.
Bridgette Porter, who went by the nickname Biddy, was killed by a teenager known to her in rural NSW in 2020.
The NSW Supreme Court found Biddy's killer, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was not criminally responsible due to mental illness in 2021.
Details surrounding her death and the injuries she suffered are protected by a court order.
Biddy’s identity was made public in mid-2024, when her parents launched a petition calling for a review of the handling of the case and improved rights for victims and their families.
Since the family spoke out on the fourth anniversary of Biddy's death, her story has received national attention and the petition to NSW parliament attracted more than 20,000 signatures.
Advocacy Australia, the organisation that helped launch the petition, on Friday welcomed a NSW parliamentary inquiry into the forensic division of the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
The inquiry will examine case management of forensic patients and the balance of patient treatment needs, victim support and community safety.
It will also look at recent changes to the Mental Health Act.
"We hope this inquiry into the (tribunal) will be a significant benchmark in creating essential change that helps all victims of serious crimes, including Biddy’s loved ones," Advocacy Australia chair Clare Collins said in a statement.
Biddy's mother, Rebekah Porter, told AAP in 2024 her daughter's death could lead to change.
"By exploring what we've gone through as a family after Bridgette died, and how the systems work, we can look to reflect on that and reform it for other victims in the future," Ms Porter said.
Independent MP for Orange Philip Donato, who presented the petition in the NSW parliament, said Biddy's case had struck a chord.
Victims' families have long felt "silenced, sidelined and patronised", Mr Donato told parliament in late 2025.
"Our mental health system must be compassionate, but it must also be accountable," he said.
An inquest into Biddy's death was announced in November 2024 and is due to be held later in June.
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