Victims of Crime Representative on Parole Board

The Liberal Government took to the election a commitment to appoint a victims of crime representative to the Parole Board.

Victims of crime deserve to have a voice in parole hearings. We will give them that voice.

I am pleased to advise that the drafting of amendments to meet this commitment is on the legislative program for this year.

The representative will be required to have experience and knowledge of victims of crime matters.

Already this system is in use in NSW, South Australia and Western Australia. The Liberal Government believes victims should also have a strong voice in the Tasmanian parole process.

The Parole Board currently comprises three members (with three deputy members). The Chair and Deputy Chair are usually legal practitioners and all members must have experience in matters such as sociology, criminology, penology, medicine or another relevant area.

The role of other relevant expertise will continue to be an important part of the decision making process, but having someone representing the interests of victims will provide a clearer picture on how an offenders release may impact on the victim of the crime.
Vanessa Goodwin, Minister for Corrections