I am pleased to announce that Kim Barker has been appointed as the first victims of crime representative on the Parole Board.

The Hodgman Liberal Government’s legislation to appoint a ‘victims of crime representative’ to the Parole Board was passed by both Houses of the Tasmanian Parliament.

Victims of crime deserve to have a strong voice in parole hearings. This was an election commitment of the Liberal Government and we are very pleased that is now being delivered.

Ms Kim Barker has today been announced as the newest member of the Parole Board, appointed to fill this important role.

Ms Barker has knowledge and experience of victim of crime matters through previous roles, including working as a Senior Investigator in an Ombudsman investigation into abuse of children in state care.

She has also recently been appointed as the state’s Public Guardian, worked as a rehabilitation consultant for over 20 years, and has extensive experience in statutory roles including the Motor Accident Insurance Board; Relationships Australia, Tasmania Board; and the Mental Health Tribunal.

The addition of Ms Barker’s knowledge and expertise to the Parole Board will give victims of crime a stronger voice by providing for a victim of crime representative to have an active role in decisions made about prisoners’ suitability for parole.

The amendment to the Corrections Act 1997 which was passed by Parliament earlier this year ensures the voice of victims will be represented directly on the Parole Board.

The representative is required to have experience and knowledge of victims of crime matters and along with other Parole Board members will determine whether a prisoner is suitable for parole.

NSW, South Australia and Western Australia already provide for similar representation.

The Hodgman Liberal Government believes Tasmanian victims should have a strong voice in the State’s parole process and Ms Barker’s appointment ensures that this will be the case.

I am also pleased to announce that Kristen Foss has been appointed a deputy member of the Parole Board. Ms Foss is a psychologist who has worked extensively with people engaged with the criminal justice system.

The Parole Board comprises three members (with three deputy members). Under the recent amendment, one of the three members must have specific knowledge and experience of victim of crime matters.
Vanessa Goodwin, Minister for Corrections