Table of Contents
1. Legislative Framework for the Operation of the Board
4. Functions and Responsibilities of the Board
5.1 Eligibility for Parole
5.2 The Role of the Board
5.3 Victim Impact Statements
5.4 Total number of prisoners released on parole
7. Variation of Parole Conditions
8.1 Supervision of Offenders on Parole
8.2 Breach of Parole
9.1 Sexual Offenders Treatment Programme
9.2 Cognitive Skills, Drug and Alcohol Programmes
10.1 Accommodation
10.2 Community Education
10.3 Media
10.4 Community Corrections
The operation and functions of the Parole Board ("the Board") are regulated by the Corrections Act 1997 ("the Act").
Section 62 of the Act provides:
62. (1) The Parole Board is established.
(2) The Board consists of 3 persons appointed by the Governor, of whom -
(a) one is to be a person who has practised as a legal practitioner or barrister of the Supreme Court or of a Supreme Court of any part of the Commonwealth other than this State for at least 7 years and has never been suspended from practice, had his or her name removed from, or struck off, the role of that Court or has been disbarred; and
(b) 2 are to be persons whom the Governor is satisfied or experienced in matters associated with sociology, criminology, penology or medicine or who possess any other knowledge or experience that the Governor considers is appropriate for the purpose.
(3) The chairperson of the Board is to be appointed by the Governor from among the members of the Board.
(4) Schedule 2 has effect in respect of the membership and meetings of the Board.
Schedule 2 of the Corrections Act 1997 deals with the membership and meetings of the Board. Members are appointed for a period not exceeding 3 years and the appointment of a Deputy Chairperson and Deputy Members is authorised. Three members constitute a quorum at a meeting and questions arising are determined by a majority of votes of the members present and voting. The Board is not bound by the rules of evidence and may inform itself in any manner it thinks fit.
During the period covered by this Annual Report the Board consisted of the following Members and Deputy Members:-
Chairperson - Mr Andrew McKee
Mr McKee graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1991 with a combined degree of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted as a practitioner of the Supreme Court of Tasmania on the 9th September 1992. Mr McKee is currently employed with the law firm Murdoch Clarke as a solicitor. He has worked continuously since his admission in both private practice and with the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania.
He was appointed a Deputy Member of the Board in 2002. In 2003 he was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Board and in 2006 he was appointed Chairperson of the Board.
Deputy Chairperson - Ms Anne Perks
Ms Perks graduated from the Auckland University in 1972 with an Arts degree in anthropology. She completed a Bachelor of Laws in 1985 at the University of Tasmania. Ms Perks was admitted as a practitioner of the Supreme Court of Tasmania in August 1986. She worked in the private legal profession until February 1989 when she joined the public service working for the Public Trust Office and the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania as a solicitor until 1998. Since that time Ms Perks has been employed as the senior investigations and liaison officer for the Guardianship & Administration Board. She has recently been appointed the manger of Investigations & Liaison at that office. Ms Perks was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Board in September 2006.
Member - Mr Leon Kemp
Mr Kemp was appointed a Member of the Board in June 2003. He was a member of Tasmania Police for 33 years prior to retiring in October 2002. He served in both general uniform duties and criminal investigations. Mr Kemp also served for the Australian Civilian Police on Cyprus as a member of the UN Peace Keeping Force.
He is a past president of the Police Federation of Australia and the Police Association of Tasmania.
He is a recipient of the UN Medal, Police Overseas Medal, Australian Police Medal and the Commissioner¡¯s Medal awarded for diligent and ethical service.
Mr Kemp is currently a member of the Police Review Board in Tasmania and the Police Arbitral Tribunal in the Northern Territory. He is also a Derwent Valley Councillor.
Member - Ms Elizabeth Hawks
Ms Hawks is a legal practitioner. She was appointed a Member of the Board in March 2000.
Deputy Member - Ms Margaret Murray
Ms Murray is a registered nurse. She was appointed as a Deputy Member of the Board in 2003.
Deputy Member - Mr Michael Tate
Mr Tate is a lecturer in law at the University of Tasmania. He was appointed as a Deputy Member of the Board in August 2005 and resigned his position with the Board effective 30th March 2007.
The Board meets at the Risdon Prison Complex on a fortnightly basis.
The format of the meeting is in accordance with the agenda produced by the Board's Administrative Assistant prior to each meeting.
The Board personally intervierws each and every prisoner who makes an application for parole. This position is to be contrasted to the majority of the other state Boards who do not interview prisoners but assess their applications based upon the documentation provided to the Board.
The Board interviews prisoners in two different locations depending upon the prisoner's classification.
Prisoners who are classified as maximum or medium are interviewed at the Risdon Prison Complex.
Female prisoners are interviewed via video link from the Mary Hutchinson Womens Prison.
Prisoners who are classified as minimum are interviewed at the Ron Barwick Minimum Security Prison.
4. Functions and Responsibilities of the Board
In summary, the Board performs the following functions:
(a) it makes decisions as to which prisoners will be released on parole.
(b) it determines the conditions upon which a prisoner will be released on parole.
(c) it determines whether conditions of parole orders should be varied
(d) it determines if a parole condition has been breached by a prisoner and what action should be taken as a result of that breach.
The Board is required to consider any application made by a prisoner who is eligible to be considered for parole.
5.1 Eligibility for Parole
Section 70 of the Act provides as follows:
70. Where prisoner eligible for parole
Subject to section 71, a prisoner is not to be released on parole before the completion of -
(a) the non-parole period applicable to the prisoner's sentence; or
(b) a continuous period of imprisonment of 6 months -
whichever is the greater, unless, in the opinion of the Board, there are exceptional circumstances warranting the earlier release on parole of the prisoner.
Section 68 of the Act provides as follows:
68. Statutory non-parole period
(1) The non-parole period in respect of a sentence of imprisonment is a period equal to one-half of the period of the operative sentence.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to -
(a) a sentence of imprisonment for the term of the natural life of the prisoner; or
(b) detention in accordance with an order under section 19 of the sentencing Acgt 1997.
Section 69 of the Act provides as follows:
69. Prisoner not to be released on parole in certain circumstances
(1) A prisoner who has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment is not to be released on parole in respect of that sentence if -
(a) the court has ordered that the prisoner is ineligible for parole pursuant to section 17 or 18 of the Sentencing Act 1997; or
(b) the prisoner is ineligible for parole by operation of section 17(3A) of that Act.
(2) If a prisoner is made the subject of a declaration under section 19 of the Sentencing Act 1997, the prisoner is not eligible to be released on parole until the declaration is discharged under that Act.
The above sections of the Act read in conjunction with the Sentencing Act 1997 regulate a prisoner's eligibility for parole.
Section 70 of the Act provides the Board with a discretion, in exceptional circumstances, to authorise the release of a prisoner on parole, without that prisoner having served the total non parole period.
Section 70 of the Act is usually invoked by prisoners by making an application for early release on parole. When dealing with such an application the Board considers the circumstances of each individual case. The legislation clearly provides that the circumstances must be exceptional. This phrase has been interpreted by the Board to mean that if the consequence to a prisoner or his or her family would be viewed as "normal or foreseeable" hardships that would reasonably be expected to flow from a term of imprisonment, then such hardships are not viewed by the Board, as being exceptional.
The Board as presently constituted continues to deal with applications for early release on parole pursuant to Section 70 on the basis adopted by previous Boards. That being:
"The basic principle which is being adopted is that, if the considerations relied on by the prisoner were available for consideration by the Court imposing the sentence, the Board will not grant leave for an early application for parole to be made, for to do so would be tantamount to reviewing the sentence imposed."
The total number of applications for early release on parole pursuant to Section 70 during the period covered by this Annual Report are to be found in Table Two.
5.2 The Role of the Board
The Board is required to make independent decisions as to whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole. If the Board is of the view that a prisoner should be released on parole, then the Board is required to consider what conditions it should place upon that prisoner's release.
When considering an application for parole the Board is required to act in accordance with the statutory criteria outlined at Section 72(4) of the Act.
Section 72(4) provides -
(4) In determining whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole, the Board is to take into consideration -
(a) the likelihood of the prisoner re-offending; and
(b) the protection of the public; and
(c) the rehabilitation of the prisoner; and
(d) any remarks made by the Court in passing sentence; and
(e) the likelihood of the prisoner complying with the conditions; and
(f) the circumstances and gravity of the offence, or offences, for which the prisoner was sentenced to imprisonment; and
(g) the behaviour of the prisoner while in prison and, if he or she has been in a secure mental health unit, while in that secure mental health unit; and
(h) the behaviour of the prisoner during any previous release on parole; and
(i) the behaviour of the prisoner while subject to any order of a court; and
(j) any reports tendered to the Board on the social background of the prisoner, the medical, psychological or psychiatric condition of the prisoner or any other matter relating to the prisoner, including in the case of a prisoner who is or has been a forensic patient any report of the Chief Forensic Psychiatrist; and
(k) the probable circumstances of the prisoner after release from prison; and
(ka) any statement provided under subsection (2B) by a victim of an offence for which the prisoner has been sentenced to imprisonment; and
(l) any other matters that the Board thinks are relevant.
To enable it to apply the statutory criteria which it is required to do so pursuant to Section 72(4) of the Act, the Board is provided with a broad range of written materials to assist it in making its decision.
In any application for parole the Board will always be provided with the following documentation:
(a) a comprehensive pre-parole report prepared by the applicant's parole officer.
(b) an institutional report prepared by custodial officers regarding the prisoner¡¯s conduct whilst imprisoned.
(c) a record of the prisoner¡¯s prior convictions.
(d) confirmation as to whether or not the prisoner has participated in any educational courses.
(e) confirmation as to whether or not the prisoner has participated in the parole awareness programme.
(f) a report from the facilitiators of the sexual offenders treatment programme (if such a report is appropriate).
(g) materials compiled by the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the crime(s) committed by the prisoner.
(h) the comments on passing sentence.
The Board may also consider such other written material or reports as are presented to it and the Board deems relevant to the individual application. Such documents include but are not limited to the following:
(a) psychological/psychiatric assessments and reports commissioned by the Board or provided to the Sentencing Tribunal.
(b) medical assessments and reports.
(c) assessments and reports from substance misuse programmes and treatment facilities.
(d) letters or submissions from the prisoner.
(e) interstate prior convictions.
(f) materials provided from interstate correctional services.
5.3 Victim Impact Statements
Section 72(2B) (b) of the Act allows a victim to provide a written statement to the Board that:
(i) gives particulars of any injury, loss or damage suffered by the victim as a direct result of the offence; and
(ii) describes the effects on the victim of the commission of the offence.
Section 72(4) (ka) requires the Board to take that statement into account when considering a prisoner's applicaton for parole.
The Board has in place a protocol with the Victim's Assistance Unit to enable information of relevance to a prisoner's application for parole to be provided to the Board.
The Board is provided with the following information from the Victim's Assistance Unit:
(a) whether a victim is registered with the unit in relation to the prisoner's criminal behaviour;
(b) whether that victim wishes to place materials before the Board for its consideration. If the victim wishes to place materials before the Board such materials are usually provided in the form of a Victim Impact Statement. Such statements usually outline in detail the impact of the prisoner's criminal behaviour on the victim;
(c) whether the victim requests conditions attach to the prisoner's release on parole. If such a request is made by the victim the Board considers such requests and if appropriate makes specific parole conditions in accordance with the requested conditions. For example it is quite common for a victim to request a non contact clause to be made a condition of a prisoner's parole. When such a request is made by a victim the Board usually makes orders which imposes limits on the freedom of movement of the parolee in order to prevent or at least reduce the risk of the parolee coming into contact with the victim.
The provision of this information greatly assists the Board when assessing a prisoner's application for parole.
The Board, as it is required to do in accordance with Section 72(4)(ka) of the Act, gives careful consideration and due regard to any victim impact statements provided to it. The Board is fully cognisant with the impact of crime on the greater community and/or individuals themselves.
However, whilst the Board recognises that the views of victims, whilst a significant factor, are only one of a number of factors that the Board must have due regard to when assessing a prisoner's application for parole.
The Board is of the view that it woud be wrong and contrary to the requirements of the Act if it were to refuse parole solely on the ground of a victim objecting to a prisoner being granted parole.
The Board works closely with the Victim's Assistance Unit to ensure that the present protocols in place work effectively for both the Board and the victims of crime. During the period covered by this Annual Report the Chairman of the Board has confirmed with representatives of the Victims Assistance Unit that the protocols presently in place are functioning efficiently.
5.4 Total number of prisoners released on parole
The total number of prisoners released on parole during the period covered by this Annual Report are to be found in Table One.
Section 72(5) of the Act provides:
(5) A Parole Order is subject to such terms and conditions as the Board considers necessary and as are specified in that order.
The Board is given a wide discretion as to what terms and conditions will be included in a prisoner's parole order.
The standard parole conditions which attach to every parole order made in Tasmania are as follows:
1. Upon release immediately report in person to the Manager, Community Corrections at XXX
2. Be subject to supervision on parole of a parole officer who shall be such person as is appointed for that purpose from time to time by the State Manager, Community Corrections.
3. Report to the Parole Officer, or any other person nominated by the Parole Officer, in the manner and at the places and times directed by the Parole Officer and shall be available for interview at such times and places as the parole officer or nominee may from time to time direct.
4. Reside at any address arranged or approved by the Parole Officer.
5. Only engage in employment which is approved by the Parole Officer.
6. Not change address or employment without first obtaining the permission of the Parole Officer, or, if that is not practical, then the Parolee shall inform the Parole Officer of any change of address or employment within 48 hours after its change.
7. Obey all reasonable directions of the Parole Officer including such directions as the Parole Officer may see fit to give as to counselling in relation to gambling, alcohol and drugs use.
8. Obey the parole officer's direction in relation to associates.
9. Not frequent or visit any place or district specified in direction by the Parole Officer.
10. Not leave the State of Tasmania without the prior written approval of the Manager Community Corrections.
11. Be of good behaviour and not violate any law and in particular not commit any offence involving:
(a) intoxication;
(b) dishonesty;
(c) sex;
(d) actual threaten personal violence;
(e) the possession or use of firearms or weapons;
(f) the possession or use of prohibited drugs; or
(g) traffic laws including the Road Safety (Alcohol & Drugs) Act;
12. Attend as directed by the Parole Officer any rehabilitation programme nominated by the Parole Officer and not, without the permission of the Parole Officer, be discharged from or do anything to bring about a discharge from that programme;
13. Do whatever is necessary to authorise all medication or other professional or technical advisors or consultants to make available to the Parole Officer relevant reports as to the Parolee¡¯s medical or other conditions at all reasonable times;
14. Not, other than in strict accordance with the directions given by a legally qualified medical practitioner, use, possess or administer any narcotic or psychotic drug or any drug or substance which cannot be legally obtained without prescription from a legally qualified medical practitioner unless the Parolee has such a prescription;
15. Present for urine testing as and when required by the Parole Officer and is to do all things and sign all such documents as may be necessary to enable such an analysis.
The Board regularly sets additional conditions which are tailored to maximise community protection by addressing the factors which underline a prisoner's offending behaviour. Such further conditions often include:
(i) absence from alcohol or other substances;
(ii) breath testing and uralysis;
(iii) residence at a specified location;
(iv) participation in and completion of an assessment, treatment or counselling regime for example alcohol counselling, sex offenders programmes and psychiatric treatment;
(v) conditions as to who the prisoner associates with and limiting the social movements of the prisoner by curfews;
(vi) preventing contact with victims of the prisoners crime;
(vii) excluding the prisoner from areas so as to prevent contact with the victim of the prisoner's crime.
Section 79 of the Act provides as follows:
79. Powers of Board to revoke parole orders, &c.
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Board may, at any time, of its own motion or on receiving a report from a probation officer or any other person -
(a) revoke a parole order; or
(b) vary, amend or confirm a parole order; or
(c) suspend a parole order on such terms as it thinks fit; or
(d) exercise in relation to a parole order more than one of its powers under paragraph (b).
Section 79(1)(b) allows the Board to vary amend or confirm a parole order.
Throughout the period of time that a prisoner is on parole, the Board may receive reports from his or her probation officer requesting that parole conditions be amended or revoked. Such requests are usually provided to the Board by way of a written request from the Parolee. The Board also receives a report from the parole officer either supporting the proposed amendment or recommending the retention of the relevant parole condition.
The Board considers the recommendations of the parole officer when considering to vary or revoke a condition of parole along with any material provided by the prisoner.
Such applications usually relate to changes in personal circumstances of the prisoner. For example a prisoner may have changed employment and a parole condition has become unworkable.
The Chairman of the Board meets regularly with the Director of Community Corrections to review parole orders and their suitability.
8.1 Supervision of Offenders on Parole
In Tasmania, supervision of parolees is undertaken by parole officers of the Community Corrections Division of the Department of Justice.
Upon release from prison a prisoner is required to report forthwith to Community Corrections office nearest to that person¡¯s place of residence.
The Board regularly seeks progress reports from parole officers. Parole officers report any concerns about the behaviour of parolees to the Board. This is particularly so in any case where it is suggested that one of the terms and conditions of the parole order has been breached or may have been breached. In the event of an allegation of misbehaviour or breach of the terms and conditions of the parole order the Board will depending on the circumstances:
(a) issue a warning to the parolee;
(b) issue a notice to the parolee requiring him to attend a board meeting to discuss the situation; or
(c) issue a warrant for the parolee's arrest.
8.2 Breach of Parole
A breach of parole is constituted by a failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions imposed on the parole order. Section 79 of the Act provides:-
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Board may, at any time, of its own motion or on receiving a report from a probation officer or any other person -
(a) revoke a parole order; or
(b) vary, amend or confirm a parole order; or
(c) suspend a parole order or such terms as it thinks fit; or
(d) exercise in relation to a parole order more than one of its powers under paragraph (b).
(2) Unless the Board considers it impracticable to do so, the Board is not to revoke or suspend a parole order granting parole to a prisoner unless it has first called on the prisoner to show cause why any of those powers should not be exercised.
(3) If a person is sentenced to imprisonment for an offence committed during the period of his or her release on parole, the parole order is revoked whether or not, at the time of his or her conviction for that offence, the period of that release had expired.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply where the execution of the whole of a sentence referred to in that subsection is suspended under the Sentencing Act 1997.
(5) If a prisoner's release on parole is revoked -
(a) in the case of a prisoner who is not a life prisoner, the prisoner is liable to serve the remainder of his or her sentence and the period of that release is not to be taken into account in determining how much of the term of his or her sentence remains to be served unless the Board otherwise directs; and
(b) in the case of a life prisoner, the prisoner is liable to be imprisoned for the remainder of his or her natural life.
(6) Where the Board revokes a parole order applying to a prisoner after his or her release from prison, the Board may, by warrant signed by the Chairperson of the Board or the Secretary of the Board at the Chairperson's direction, authorise a police officer to apprehend the prisoner and return the prisoner to prison.
If it is deemed necessary to issue a warrant for the arrest of the parolee, Section 80 (4) provides "on the issue of the warrant under this section for the apprehension of a prisoner on parole, the prisoner's parole is extended equal to a period commencing on the day on which the warrant is issued and ending on the day on which it is executed."
Section 80 (5) provides:
"If a prisoner is returned to prison after the execution of a warrant against the prisoner under subsection (1), the following provisions apply:
(a) the Board, within 14 days after the prisoner is so returned to prison, is to give the prisoner an opportunity to be heard;
(b) the Board may, after complying with paragraph (a), exercise in relation to the prisoner the powers conferred on it by subsection (1) of section 79 as if he or she were a prisoner to whom that subsection applies;
(c) if the Board revokes the prisoner's release on parole pursuant to section 79(1) the provisions of section 79(5) apply to the prisoner accordingly."
Of significance is the requirement to give the parolee the right to be heard, however, it should be noted that there is no requirement on the part of the Board to be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt, nor indeed that any offence has been committed, or that if an offence has been committed, it is a serious one.
The Act makes it mandatory that a parole order is cancelled automatically if the parolee is sentenced to a term of imprisonment during the currency of the parole order.
The total number of prisoners whose parole was revoked during the period covered by this Annual Report is to be found in Table Two and Table Three.
9.1 Sexual Offenders Treatment Programme
The Sexual Offender Treatment Programme was introduced into the prison in 2004.
Prisoners convicted of sexual offences are assessed and if eligible to participate in the programme are invited to participate in the programme. Prisoners must first be deemed suitable to participate in the programme. A pre condition to the prisoner being accepted into the programme is an acceptance by him of his offending behaviour.
Those accepted into the programme then undergo treatment in relation to their offending behaviour.
At the conclusion of the course the prisoner compiles a relapse prevention programme which assists the prisoner to identify triggers to his offending behaviour and provides the prisoner with mechanisms to assist him from re-offending. At the conclusion of the programme the Board is provided with a detailed report regarding the prisoner's participation in the course. Such reports are of invaluable assistance in assessing a prisoner's application for parole. The reports also assist the Board in formulating appropriate conditions which should be placed on the prisoner when released back into the community.
A number of parole officers have participated in a sex offenders relapse prevention training programme. That course has provided training to parole officers to assist parolees to maintain their relapse and prevention programme.
During the period covered by this Annual Report, the sex offenders treatment programme has been reviewed. As a result of that review the programme has been changed. The programme is now based on a similar programme run by the Queensland Corrective Services Department. The course is an intensive intervention programme for adult male sex offenders who have been assessed as having a medium to high risk for recidivism.
During the period of time covered by this Annual Report 11 applications were considered by the Board by prisoners who had completed the programme. Of those applications 7 were granted and 2 were refused.
Two applications were ongoing and had not been completed.
One prisoner who had completed the sex offenders treatment programme and who was granted parole had his parole revoked as a result of re-offending.
The Board is of the view that the sex offenders treatment programme plays an integral part in the rehabilitation of prisoners convicted of sexual based offences. The Board fully supports the continuance of the sexual offenders treatment programme conducted at the prison.
The statistics for the period covered by this Annual Report for the Sex Offenders Treatment Programme are to be found in Table 4.
9.2 Cognitive Skills, Drug and Alcohol Programmes
Education and drug and alcohol treatment programmes are to be encouraged for any prisoner within the prison system as a means to assist in the rehabilitation of the prisoner back into the community and ensuring the safety of the public.
During the period covered by this annual report there has been a significant improvement in the number of educational programmes provided to prisoners.
In November 2006, the prison service introduced a new cognitive skills programme called Preparation for Change.
The programme covers issues such as self-awareness, learning change, anger and stress management, communications and interpersonal skills, problem solving and goal setting.
Drug & Alcohol programmes are conducted by the Salvation Army.
10.1 Accommodation
Of concern to the Board is a significant number of prisoners appearing before the Board who do not have any or appropriate accommodation upon their release from prison. The Chairman of the Board has met with representatives of Bethlehem House and has had a number of discussions with Mr P Burton of that organisation regarding the suitability of accommodation which can be provided by Bethlehem House. The Board has also met with other external agencies to try and overcome the problem of prisoners not having appropriate accommodation upon their release from prison.
10.2 Community Education
Members of the Board intend offering lectures to organisations detailing the functions and role of the Parole Board.
It is envisaged that these lectures will take place throughout a number of schools and community organisations. The purpose of such lectures will be to educate the public as to the role and function of the Parole Board. The Board through various media reports and questions directed to Board members are of the view that the public and to a lesser extent the media have a fundamental misunderstanding of the role and function of the Parole Board. It is hoped that such community education will assist the general public to understand the functions and role of the Board.
10.3 Media
The Board has made a conscious decision that it will make itself available to members of the media to answer questions where appropriate regarding parole applications of interest to the general public, and to discuss the role and functions of the Board. The Board through its website publishes its reasons for decision in relation to each successful application for parole.
10.4 Community Corrections
The Chairman of the Board meets with the Director of Community Corrections on a regular basis to discuss issues affecting the Board and its interactions with the Department. At such meetings issues such as generic parole orders and their suitability are discussed.
The Board in consultation with the Department of Justice has arranged for a review of its administrative procedures to be undertaken by Ms Phillipa Shirley an officer of that Department. It is anticipated that Ms Shirley will review the administrative procedures adopted by other State Boards. It is anticipated that Ms Shirley will present her completed review paper to the Board by the 30th December 2007.
Mr David Bliss was Secretary of the Board throughout 2007 and Mr J McCarthy admistered assistance. The Board thanks both for their assistance.
The Board acknowledges the continued assistance and co-operation of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Tasmania Police.
The Board expresses its appreciation to all the probation and parole officers throughout the state and their professionalism and assistance to the Board.
The Board wishes to record its appreciation to Mr Tate for his valuable contribution as a Deputy Member of the Board.
31st October 2007
Andrew McKee
Chairperson
Applications - Fixed Sentence Prisoners
|
YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE |
CONSIDERED |
GRANTED |
REVOKED |
REFUSED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 44 | 35 | 6 | 3 |
| 1991 | 59 | 46 | 5 | 8 |
| 1992 | 55 | 37 | 2 | 16 |
| 1993 | 46 | 33 | 2 | 11 |
| 1994 | 79 | 49 | 4 | 26 |
| 1995 | 62 | 44 | 4 | 14 |
| 1996 | 76 | 61 | 6 | 9 |
| 1997 | 134 | 56 | 3 | 75 |
| 1998 | 105 | 60 | 4 | 41 |
| 1999 | 132 | 81 | 6 | 45 |
| 2000 | 140 | 84 | 3 | 53 |
| 2001 | 146 | 83 | 9 | 54 |
| 2002 | 150 | 76 | 14 | 60 |
| 2003 | 116 | 54 | 23 | 39 |
| 2004 | 115 | 65 | 21 | 29 |
| 2005 | 155 | 86 | 25 | 44 |
| 2006 | 152 | 82 | 35 | 30 |
| 2007 | 127 | 77 | 27 | 19 |
|
Total 1990 - 2007 |
1893 |
1109 |
199 |
576 |
Section 70 Applications (Exceptional Circumstances)
|
YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE |
APPLICATIONS |
GRANTED |
REFUSED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 8 | 1 | 7 |
| 1991 | 18 | 0 | 18 |
| 1992 | 16 | 2 | 14 |
| 1993 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1994 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| 1995 | 11 | 2 | 9 |
| 1996 | 10 | 1 | 9 |
| 1997 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| 1998 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1999 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
| 2000 | 20 | 1 | 19 |
| 2001 | 9 | 1 | 8 |
| 2002 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2003 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2004 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2005 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2007 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
|
Total 1990 - 2007 |
140 |
10 |
130 |
Parole Performance - Fixed Term Prisoners
Year ended 30 June |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Released on parole |
33 | 49 | 44 | 61 | 56 | 60 | 81 | 84 | 83 | 72 | 54 | 65 | 86 | 82 | 77 |
Revoked by Board |
8 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 39 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 26 |
Revoked by conviction |
0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 1 |
Parole completed |
21 | 26 | 50 | 54 | 38 | 29 | 59 | 53 | 52 | 67 | 38 | 74 | 38 | 38 | 46 |
On parole as at 30 June |
28 | 57 | 40 | 39 | 67 | 79 | 89 | 111 | 119 | 180 | 267 | 193 | 68 | 75 | 87 |
Sex Offenders Treatment Programme
|
YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE |
CONSIDERED |
GRANTED |
REVOKED |
REFUSED |
| 2007 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 2 |
Two applications commenced prior to the 30th June 2007 were ongoing as at that date.
31st October 2007
The Honourable Steven Kons LLB MHA
Deputy Premier
Attorney-General
Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Minister for Planning
10th Floor
10 Murray Street
HOBART 7000
Dear Minister,
In accordance with the requirements of the Corrections Act 1997 the Parole Board submits its Annual Report for the year
ended 30th June 2007.
Section 64 of the Act requires the Board to report to the Minister on:
(a) the number of prisoners released on parole during the financial year and the number of prisoners returned to prison by reason of the revocation of their release on parole; and
(b) the general activities of the Board under the Act during the financial year and any matters affecting the operation of the Act that the Board thinks appropriate to include in the report.
Yours faithfully
Andrew R McKee
