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This article contains references to domestic violence and death.
Watch Insight’s episode Second Chances, exploring what happens when we’re given or give another chance in life, career, love or a new homeland, or after making a mistake — on Tuesday 16 July at 8:30pm on SBS or on
I remember the phone call like it was yesterday.
It was my dad, telling me my older brother Brett had been involved in an incident involving a high-risk offender. I asked him how he’d found out and he told me the police chaplain had called him.
That’s when my heart sank. I knew it was bad.
Brett (left) and his younger brother Luke Source: Supplied
In the family
From the beginning, we knew Brett wanted to be a police officer.
My dad was a copper, and so was my grandfather and uncle.
Brett and I grew up together in Redcliffe, a quiet suburb north of Brisbane, with our close-knit family consisting of mum, dad and our eldest brother Chris.
Not only was Brett my brother, but he was my best mate and father figure when dad was away for long periods fulfilling his police duties.
Brett, who was four years my senior, could just about give you an answer to any question you would throw at him. He was a very fun-loving guy with a quick-witted sense of humour and a great outlook on life.
He was incredibly loyal to his family and friends.
When we lost Brett, it was like a piece of our souls went with him.
They say grief gets easier over time, but I’m not sure I agree with that, especially given the circumstances of his death.
Every important and cherished moment we’ve had since losing Brett has come with different emotions, a void, a feeling that something is missing. He’s missing out and so are we. There’s an ongoing emptiness without him.
The day everything changed
It was 29 May 2017 when Brett got the call-out; police were chasing a high-risk offender.
As Brett and his fellow officer were patrolling the area, they found the offender and pursued him.
Brett and his partner followed the offender up a dirt road up a hill.
Once they reached the top of the hill the offender jumped out of his car with a fully automatic machine gun and opened fire on Brett and his partner.
Brett quickly reversed but it was too late. The spray of bullets hit him.
In my opinion, there were many ways Brett’s death could have been avoided. For one, the offender should never have been out of custody.
A long history of domestic violence
Brett’s killer was a repeat offender. He had a long history of violent crimes, including multiple charges of domestic violence.
He’d had so many chances. But Brett never got a chance — let alone a second chance.
I believe our justice system failed my brother, with its weak bail laws for people who commit violent crimes, who get out and perpetrate worse crimes — and in some cases, murder.
Second chances should be for people who commit minor crimes, not for those who repeatedly commit acts of violence.
The irony that the justice system failed my brother who was protecting the community is not lost on me.
Some violent offenders will blame everything but themselves, but I believe you have a choice to be a good person or not.
I’ve seen people who have had a terrible start to life, make something of themselves. They made a choice to seek help or change.
Domestic violence is so rampant in our country, and so many police call-outs are for domestic violence.
We need to take a long, hard look at ourselves and the justice system that fails to protect victims and instead allows offenders to keep offending.
We need to stop giving repeat offenders bail — which are just windows of opportunity to escalate their violence to murder.
The only way that this epidemic can be stopped is for everyone, but especially the Australian government and the justice system to ensure that no second chances are given to perpetrators.
It needs to happen now before another life is taken away.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
And for more stories head to , hosted by Kumi Taguchi. From sex and relationships to health, wealth, and grief Insightful offers deeper dives into the lives and first-person stories of former guests from the acclaimed TV show, Insight.
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