The Hodgman Liberal Government’s legislation to appoint a 'victims of crime representative' to the Parole Board has passed the Legislative Council.
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.
The amendment to the Corrections Act 1997 ensures the voice of victims will be represented directly on the Parole Board.
The representative will be 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. It is disappointing and surprising that Labor and the Greens voted against the legislation, but thankfully their opposition has not stopped this sensible amendment passing both houses.
The Parole Board currently comprises three members (with three deputy members). The Chair and Deputy Chair are usually legal practitioners and the other members must have experience in sociology, criminology, penology, medicine or another relevant area.
In future one of the three members of the Parole Board will also need to have knowledge of and experience in victim of crime matters.