Douglas James Wade, 51, is in prison for a fatal attack on the 22-month-old daughter of a friend while babysitting the toddler on Capper Street, Tumut, in August, 1988.

The shearer was given a life sentence in 1989 for the murder, but under legislation brought out just after his conviction, Wade last year was able to ask the Supreme Court for a determination of his life sentence and to ask for a fixed term.

Justice Megan Latham last August ordered that Wade's sentence be a minimum 26 years, with a 10-year parole period to follow.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014, was set as his earliest date for release.

But any hopes Wade had of walking free immediately were dashed by the State Parole Authority.

A spokesman for the authority said Wade had been refused parole in June.

"The authority refused parole for several reasons, including a need for structured post-release plans," the spokesman said.

"Furthermore, the Serious Offenders Review Council advised that it is not appropriate for the offender to be considered for release on parole."

The spokesman said the parole authority would consider Wade's parole next year.

An autopsy on the little girl found she had suffered multiple injuries, including bruises to her vagina and abdomen.

Wade unsuccessfully appealed against his convictions in 2000, claiming he only gave the girl one backhand blow to her stomach after she disobeyed him.

He denied sexually assaulting the youngster.