To the Parole Board of South Australia

We, the undersigned, call on the Parole Board of South Australia to deny early release to Matthew Alan Thomson, former South Australian Police detective, convicted of six counts of assault against his ex-wife.

Matthew Thomson was sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment after pleading guilty to six counts of assault. District Court Judge Anthony Allen declined to suspend the sentence, citing the seriousness, frequency, and prolonged nature of Thomson's abuse. 

His victim, Stella Magnisalis, has spoken publicly about the lifelong trauma she continues to endure — trauma inflicted by someone who held a position of authority, trust, and power as a sworn police officer.

Why We Oppose Early Release

Thomson's crimes were not isolated incidents.

They were repeated, deliberate acts of violence carried out over years.

His position as a police officer, someone trained in the law and entrusted to protect the community makes his offending a serious aggravating factor.

He knew exactly what he was doing.

Early release sends a dangerous message to domestic violence survivors everywhere: that their suffering does not warrant the full weight of the sentence handed down.

Stella Magnisalis has called for accountability and systemic change, stating:

"How many of us will die before they listen?"

Granting parole undermines her courage in coming forward and the court's recognition of the gravity of his crimes. 

Domestic violence perpetrators in positions of power must be held to the same if not a higher standard than any other offender.

We urge the Parole Board to:

Deny parole and require Matthew Thomson to serve his full sentence.
Give full weight to the victim's ongoing trauma and safety concerns in any parole deliberations.

Recognise the public interest in ensuring that perpetrators of sustained domestic violence face real consequences.

Justice for Stella. Justice for every survivor who was told no one would believe them.

Sign this petition to stand with survivors.