Slain 10-year-old girl. Brigette ‘Biddy’ Porter’s family to get justice as petition presented in NSW parliament

After four years of silence, slain schoolgirl Bridgette Porter’s “precious” face, her name and her story are finally widely known.

The 10-year-old, who went by the nickname Biddy, was killed by a teenager known to her in rural NSW in 2020.

Biddy’s identity was only made public in July, when her parents launched a petition calling for a review of the handling of the case and improved rights for child victims and their families.

Rebekah and Dominic Porter want scrutiny of the legal system, which they say has protected Biddy’s killer while restricting their ability to speak out or access information about their daughter’s death.

Since they went public on the fourth anniversary of Biddy’s death, her story has gone nationwide and the petition to NSW parliament has attracted 21,550 signatures.

It is due to be presented to parliament for debate on Thursday afternoon.

“Biddy’s campaign holds immense significance for me because it’s given Biddy back her name, her precious face, her voice and her identity which was erased four years ago to protect her killer,” Rebekah Porter said in a statement.

The NSW Supreme Court found Biddy’s killer, who cannot be legally identified, not criminally responsible due to mental illness.

Details surrounding Biddy’s death and the injuries she suffered are protected by a court order.

Independent MP for Orange Philip Donato, who will take the petition to parliament, said Biddy’s case had struck a chord, particularly among families with children of a similar age.

“It’s the most dreadful thing to happen, it’s unimaginable,” Mr Donato told AAP.

“People have just rallied around once the community were able to hear about this.

“She was a young, intelligent girl and ... she just had an impact on everybody who she met.”

The family’s campaign also aims to draw attention to the rights of victims and improve access to financial and psychological support after serious crimes, Mr Donato said.

“At the moment they don’t have that, or it’s very limited if there is any assistance provided.

“We want to see change.”

Advocacy Australia launched the petition on behalf of the Porter family.

Chair Clare Collins said they were not alone in their pursuit of improving support for victims of crime.

“We hope all members of NSW parliament will reflect the community’s view and support the call for inquiries to deliver justice for Biddy Porter and her family,” Ms Collins said.

Attorney-General Michael Daley has been contacted for comment.

Lifeline 13 11 14. Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25).