The NSW Government and NSW Police Force have announced a $1 million reward for information relating to the suspicious death of Paul Murray in Lightning Ridge.
Paul Murray, then aged 40, owned an opal mining field about eight kilometres north-west of Lightning Ridge and lived in a camp at the site.
He was last seen alive on Sunday 19 March in 1995 by a local, who had picked up Mr Murray, and dropped him off on the outskirts of town.
He was reported missing to police one week later, and following an extensive search, his body was found naked and decomposing in scrub by two graziers, about two kilometres from his campsite on Saturday 22 April 1995.
A post-mortem examination found no signs of trauma or obvious cause of death, and further inquiries by officers attached to Central North Police District and a coronial inquest in 1996, all failed to determine the manner or cause of Mr Murray's death.
Following a review in 2012, the matter was referred to detectives from State Crime Command's Unsolved Homicide Unit, who established Strike Force Huddleston to investigate further.
During this time, Homicide Squad detectives announced a $100,000 and subsequent $500,000 reward for information into his disappearance.
As part of ongoing inquiries, police have announced the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons responsible for Mr Murray's death has increased to $1 million.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said Paul Murray's loved ones deserve answers after 30 years of grief.
"Paul was a much-loved brother and a vulnerable man whose life ended in circumstances that remain unexplained. Someone may know what happened to him, and it is never too late to come forward.
"This $1 million reward is about helping police get the information they need to find the truth for Paul and his family.
"Time does not erase responsibility. If you know something about Paul Murray's death, please contact Crime Stoppers."
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi, said Paul's family has lived with uncertainty for more than three decades.
"It's been 31 years since Paul Murray's body was found, and we still don't know what happened to him," Det Supt Doueihi said.
"People who may have been reluctant to speak back then might feel differently today. This $1 million reward is a significant incentive for anyone with knowledge to come forward provide us answers,"
"We are appealing to the Lightning Ridge community and anyone who knew Paul at the time to search their memory and speak with us. If you know something, now is the time to tell us."
Paul's brother Simon Murray said Paul came from a large family and all his siblings loved him.
"Since his death we have been searching for answers not knowing what happened to our devoted brother and why somebody would harm him is beyond comprehension," Mr Murray said.
"Paul suffered an irreversible brain injury at the age of 16 years old, which affected his connectivity, walking and overall appearance which made him very vulnerable to those seeking to take advantage of him"
"Paul only saw the best in everybody and believed what he heard was truthful."
Paul's sister Rosemary Pearse has pleaded to the public for help, saying their family deserves justice.
"My little brother Pauly was so loved. He was a generous man who helped others when they needed it. His death has left pain and unanswered questions for more than 30 years", Mrs Pearse said.
"We are very grateful for the $1 million reward and hope it gives someone the courage to come forwards, clear their conscience, and set themselves and their family up financially."
"My Pauly deserves justice, and our family deserves the truth after all this time. Please help us."
Anyone with information about Paul Murray's death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
