Politicians and police officers were among the hundreds who have marched to NSW parliament demanding justice for three Aboriginal children murdered 26 years ago.
The three children - 4-year-old Evelyn Greenup and 16-year-olds Colleen Walker and Clinton Speedy-Duroux - went missing from Bowraville on the mid-north coast within five months during 1990-1991.
The bodies of Clinton and Evelyn were discovered in bushland on the outskirts of the town, while Colleen's body was never found.
Local man Jay Hart was tried separately over two of the murders and found not guilty in each.
The victims' families have long argued key pieces of evidence linking the three crimes together have never been heard in court.
On Thursday, they descended on parliament to demand a retrial of the alleged killer.
They're asking NSW Attorney General Gabrielle Upton to refer the cases to the Court of Criminal Appeal - a move which could trigger a retrial.
Colleen's brother, Lucas Craig, said his family had been living an unshakeable nightmare for the past 26 years.
"What makes this even worse is that no one has ever been held accountable for our loss," Mr Craig said.
"Our families have fought long and hard; we will not give up the fight for justice which they (the murdered children) deserve."
Clinton's aunt, Helen Duroux, said the three families deserved peace.
"How do you see the pained expressions on our faces and acknowledge the sadness in our hearts and still choose to do nothing?" she said.
"It's time that you right the wrongs of the past - it's time for justice for Bowraville."
Inside parliament, NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge tried to gain support for changes to double jeopardy laws by redefining technical terms, which advocates believe have proven an obstacle to securing a retrial.
"We are talking about a marginal change to a law that has fundamentally failed," he told upper house MPs.
Choking back tears, Mr Shoebridge made an emotional apology to families sitting in the chamber when the major parties rejected his bill.
"We haven't done the right thing by you but we won't forget, we won't stop, we'll stay with you until you get your justice," he said.
Police have confirmed they're preparing a fresh application for a retrial under existing double jeopardy laws, which is expected to be presented to the Attorney-General soon.
"NSW Police are fully aware of the families' concerns. We have prepared a further application to have the matters referred to the Court of Criminal Appeal," a spokesman told AAP.
"This application can be provided to the Attorney General in due course."
Ms Upton said in a statement that she would ensure an independent review of any application does take place.
"I want to acknowledge the pain experienced by the families and extend my deepest sympathies. It is now a matter for the families and NSW Police Force whether to make an application for a retrial in the Court of Criminal Appeal," she said.
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