Tasmania Police acknowledges the failings of the initial investigation into the disappearance of Lucille Butterworth in 1969.

Police Commissioner Darren Hine said:

“The Butterworth family, and those who loved her, deserve an apology for the deficiencies of the initial investigation and I intend to meet with them to personally express my sincere apologies.

“Based on the information revealed by recent investigations, Miss Butterworth’s family may have had the answers they deserve if her disappearance been treated differently by police at the time.

“While I cannot explain the actions or attitudes of investigators at the time, I can assure both Ms Butterworth’s family and the Tasmanian community that policing has changed significantly since 1969.

“Investigative techniques, oversight and review of investigations that are now standard operating procedures would not allow a repeat of the failings of that investigation,” he said.

15 years ago the case file was reviewed in detail. Since then, various aspects have been readdressed and reinvestigated based on the application of more modern practices and techniques.

“It was the work of current investigators that uncovered the failings of the past investigation and new information which have been examined by the Coroner.”

“I would like to thank current investigators, Inspector David Plumpton (retired), Senior Constable Christine Rushton and Constable Carey Millhouse for their dedication to the pursuit of answers for the Butterworth family.