Karlie Brady

Journalist

A bid to extradite a key person of interest in the Toyah Cordingley murder investigation from India is “imminent” says federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch.

It has been over two years since Toyah, 24, was murdered at Wangetti Beach, while walking her dog. No one is yet to be charged over the crime.

In 2018, it was reported that an Innisfail nurse, who fled to India shortly after the murder, was a person of interest in the investigation.

Newsport spoke with Mr Entsch who said Queensland Police were working closely with the Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter to make an application to the Indian government for the extradition of a person of interest.

“The Indian Government is very bureaucratic,” he said.

“They require a very comprehensive brief of evidence, so it is important we get it right the first time.

“Both the State and Federal Governments are very keen for this to happen, but they don’t want to jeopardise the process by sending something over that won’t be accepted.”

Mr Entsch said he believed the application was in the final stages and once the Attorney General’s office is satisfied with it, it would be sent to India.

“My understanding is that it is quite imminent.

“Once the Indian government accepts it, a warrant is issued for the individual.”

Mr Entsch said bringing Ms Cordingley's murderer to justice is one of his New Year’s resolutions.

“To see Toyah’s perpetrator face justice and be convicted; so that we can give closure to the family and community and so that this creature is taken out of circulation so that they can never harm another beautiful young woman again.

“It’s a commitment we made to Toyah, we will never forget, and we will never give up.

“It’s been a frustrating time for all of us, for the family and all of the community that are behind finding the perpetrator.

“I grieve for her and her family,” Mr Entsch said.