Parole eligibility

A prisoner is eligible for parole consideration upon the expiry of the non-parole period that has been fixed by the sentencing court. An application for parole may be submitted to the Parole Board up to six months prior to the expiry of the non-parole period.

The board interviews the majority of prisoners who apply for parole before making a determination. No prisoner is refused release without first being granted a hearing before the board.

The board must provide written reasons for refusing release of a prisoner within 30 days of the decision being made.

Interviews are conducted either in person, or by video conference link with the country institutions.

All interviews and hearings conducted by the board are electronically recorded and full transcripts are produced.

The board set the terms and conditions for the release of all prisoners who have been granted parole and reviews the ongoing progress and performance of parolees whilst on parole.

The board determines the appropriate penalty when a breach of parole is proven and amends the terms and conditions of existing parole orders, where appropriate.

The board makes recommendations to the Department for Correctional Services in relation to proposed pre-release case management plans and home detention applications for prisoners serving a sentence of five years or more.

The Parole Board also monitors and reviews the progress of those persons who are released by the courts on Mental Impairment Supervision Licence having been found not guilty of an offence by reason of mental impairment.