Is the truth about Ivan Milat's murderous past finally coming to light? The question haunts the families of his victims, and it's a haunting thought that one of Australia's most notorious serial killers may have been operating for years longer than previously thought. Milat's name is synonymous with terror, especially in the Belanglo State Forest, where he murdered seven young backpackers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. But what if his killing spree began even earlier? What if he was responsible for dozens of other unsolved murders? This is the question that a recent NSW parliamentary inquiry aims to answer. The inquiry, which is a remarkable development in itself, has already made some stunning progress. It has brought to light the case of Keren Rowland, a 20-year-old pregnant woman who disappeared in 1964 and was found in a shallow grave months later. The similarities between Rowland's death and Milat's murders are striking. The positioning of the body, the concealment with shrubbery and twigs, and the presence of a beer bottle next to the body are all hallmarks of Milat's modus operandi. What makes this case even more intriguing is the fact that the NSW homicide commander, Joe Doueihi, has admitted that the police have long suspected Milat of killing Rowland. This admission is a stunning revelation for the Rowland family, who have spent decades searching for answers. But why has it taken so long for the police to make this connection? Could it be that Milat's crimes were more widespread and systematic than previously thought? The parliamentary inquiry is a crucial step in uncovering the truth. It aims to establish the true extent of Milat's depravity and provide closure for the families of his victims. But it also raises uncomfortable questions. Could one of Australia's worst serial killers have been stopped years before the backpacker murders? And if so, why wasn't he? The answer to these questions may lie in the dark corners of Milat's past. It may reveal a web of interconnected crimes that stretch back decades. But it also raises the possibility that Milat's crimes were more random and isolated than previously thought. In my opinion, the truth about Ivan Milat's past is a complex and disturbing one. It is a tale of evil and violence, but also of hope and justice. The parliamentary inquiry is a crucial step in bringing that truth to light. But it is also a reminder of the enduring impact of Milat's crimes on the families of his victims. As we delve deeper into the dark corners of Milat's past, we must also reflect on the broader implications of his crimes. They are a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of seeking justice for the victims of violence. In my view, the truth about Ivan Milat's past is a powerful and haunting one. It is a tale that demands to be told, and it is a tale that must not be forgotten.
