Backpacker's father sues over tragedy

Fire victims: Sarah Williams and Natalie Morris (right)

The father of one of the victims of the Childers hostel fire in northern Australia two years ago said he is taking legal action to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.

Ken Morris' daughter Natalie, who was 28, was one of 15 backpackers killed in the blaze started by fruit picker, Robert Long in June 2000.

Our grandchildren might want to go backpacking one day and I want to know that it will be safe

Ken Morris

Natalie's best friend Sarah Williams, 23, from Aberfan, south Wales also died in the arson attack and her family are also part of the claim against the hostel's operators and the authorities responsible for the building's fire safety.

Mr Morris, 65, of Cefn Coed, Merthyr Tydfil, said the legal action by ten families - for psychological distress and lack of income - was not about money but securing peace of mind.

He said: "Nothing can compensate for our loss but it is about determining who is responsible for the lack of fire precautions which enabled Robert Long to fulfil his aim."

"If no one has had to answer that and this is the only way that we can get someone to stand up and be accounted for then this is the way it has to be.

Ken Morris: Searching for peace of mind

"We are still trying to get on with our lives without our daughter which is very difficult.

"Knowing that at least whatever was wrong has been put right and that this will never happen again is what we'll gain comfort from.

"Our grandchildren might want to go backpacking one day and I want to know that it will be safe.

"How can I tell people I support families who allow their children to go abroad and do this knowing that it isn't safe?"

The legal action by the families maintains the building was operating without a working fire alarm system or proper fire evacuation procedure and that some fire exits were blocked and some fire exit lights were not operational.

The action also claims Queensland state failed to carry out regular fire and safety inspections.

Robert Long had a grudge against the hostel

The case will go to court if all the parties involved do not reach a settlement over a six-month period.

Long, 38, was described at his trial as an aggressive and menacing man with a grudge against backpackers.

He fled the town the night the old wooden building was destroyed and hid for five days in nearby sugar cane plantations before being captured.

He was sentenced to life but the families of those killed are not ready to accept that responsibility for the deaths rests with solely with him.

Long is appealing against his conviction on the grounds that publicity surrounding the case had led to a miscarriage of justice.