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Adult Parole Board

The role of the Adult Parole Board is to make independent and appropriate decisions in relation to:

• the release of prisoners on supervised conditional release (parole or pre-release permit)
• the cancellation of orders and return of offenders to prison custody
• the submission of reports to the Minister for Corrections as required by legislation.

The Youth Parole Board is a separate body and operates under the auspices of the Department of Human Services.

Factors taken into consideration by the board

In making its decisions, the board considers the interests of both the community and the prisoner, the position of the victim, and the intentions of the sentencing authority.

Factors taken into consideration by the board include:

• the nature and circumstances of the offence(s)
• comments made by the judge when imposing the sentence
• the offender's criminal history
• previous history of supervision in the community
• potential risk to the community and/or the individual offender
• release plans
• reports, assessments and recommendations made by a variety of professionals, including medical practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, custodial staff and/or Community Corrections Officers
• submissions made by the offender, the offender's family, friends and potential employers or any other relevant individuals
• representations made by the victim or by persons related to the victim
• representations made by the offender or others with an interest in the case.

Where possible, the board will interview each prisoner prior to parole to assist in its deliberations.

The board uses guidelines to assist its decision-making, however each case is considered on its own merits.

Decisions of the Adult Parole Board

The board may either:

• grant a prisoner release onto parole or pre-release permit
• deny release on parole or pre-release permit
• defer consideration until a later date
• cancel an offender's parole or pre-release permit.

Appeals

There is no formal avenue of appeal against a decision of the board. However prisoners may request a review of any decision of the board. This may be done in writing (by the prisoner or by a person on behalf of the prisoner), or the prisoner can request an interview with the board.

Prisoners eligible for release on parole or a pre-release permit are automatically brought to the attention of the board and considered at the appropriate time. There is no need for prisoners to apply for consideration.

Membership

Membership of the Adult Parole Board includes:

• two judges of the Supreme Court of Victoria
• a retired judge of the County Court of Victoria
• a current judge of the County Court
• a deputy Chief Magistrate
• a retired Chief Magistrate
• a full-time member of the Board
• the secretary to the Department of Justice
• seven part-time members (four women and three men) representing the community.

The Chairperson of the board is a judge of the Supreme Court.

Meetings

The Adult Parole Board meets weekly at its Carlton office and regularly at all prisons in Victoria. It also meets when required at other locations such as Community Correctional Services Centres throughout Victoria.