The Queensland Government has announced an independent review of Parole Board Queensland in a bid to ensure victims are prioritised and properly informed of decisions that impact them.
As part of the Government’s A Fresh Start for Queensland, the review will assess the systemic failures that plagued the Board under the previous Government.
Led by distinguished barrister, Peter Hastie KC, the review will assess whether the Board’s operations are effective in keeping Queenslanders safe, and support the rights, participation and treatment of victims within the parole process, including engagement with the Victims Register.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber said a final report will be delivered with targeted recommendations for legislative and operational reform .
“Under Labor’s two failed former Corrective Services Ministers, the Parole Board was in a state of chaos and crisis, with a former President referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission, a critical backlog of applications, and a system that didn’t protect or support victims,” Minister Gerber said.
“We promised to launch this independent review during the election, and we are delivering on that promise to fix Labor’s broken parole system and give Queenslanders a system that works and the answers they deserve.
“Already we have appointed a new Parole Board president and strengthened laws to safeguard the community, and this review is another step towards cleaning up Labor’s mess and creating a system that supports victims.
“I am confident Mr Hastie KC will conduct a comprehensive review into the Parole Board and deliver targeted recommendations to restore stability and confidence back to the organisation.”
President of Parole Board Queensland Michael Woodford welcomed the review.
“I look forward to the recommendations put forward by Mr Hastie KC to continue building an efficient and effective Parole Board,” Mr Woodford said.
