The father of murdered Sunshine Coast teenager Daniel Morcombe says legislation changes that will keep child killers in jail for longer will help keep dangerous offenders off the streets.
State Parliament last night passed amendments to the Corrective Services Act that could see the "worst of the worst" kept behind bars for decades after their parole date.
Bruce Morcombe said the laws would ensure Queensland was one of the safest places in the country for children and families.
"This is good news," he said.
"It denies child murderers and serial killers the opportunity to apply for parole for a period of 10 years and that could be extended beyond that for a further period of 10 years."
Mr Morcombe said he hoped it meant that his son Daniel's attacker could be denied parole when his life sentence expires.
Brett Peter Cowan was convicted of the 13-year-old's abduction and murder in 2014 and will be eligible for parole in 2031.
"It always brings back the emotional side of things," Mr Morecombe said. "Why do we have to go down this path?
"All those people that helped us in our journey should feel comfortable in that we as a society are moving forward.
The Morcombes said up to 72 prisoners in Queensland could be affected by the laws.
Changes dubbed 'Sian's law'
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said the genesis of the bill belonged with Sian Kingi, her family and friends and the community that fought for the changes.
The Noosa schoolgirl was raped and murdered in 1987 by Barrie Watts and his partner Valmae Beck.
Watts' parole application this year sparked an angry outcry, with 72,000 people signing a petition calling for him to be kept behind bars.
Mr Purdie said the new bill was referred to in Parliament as "Sian's law".
"These laws were introduced as a direct result of a campaign launched by the key family and her friends earlier this year," he said.
"We were referring to the laws last night in Parliament as Sian's Law and I think that is a fitting tribute to her and her lasting legacy.
"I'm in awe of their strengths and what they've been through."
Mr Morcombe agreed that the legislation should reflect the Kingi family's journey to strengthen legislation.
