Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-02-13 Daily Xml

Contents

Answers to Questions

PAROLE BOARD

116 The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (26 September 2007). Can the Attorney-General advise:

1. Does a protest of innocence at a Parole Board hearing prejudice the application for parole; and

2. What is the basis for the Parole Board's policy?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs): I am advised that:

1. The Parole Board would not and does not refuse an application for parole because a prisoner maintains that he or she is innocent of the offence for which he or she has been convicted.

2. The Parole Board considers an application for release on parole on the basis that the prisoner has been convicted of an offence. It is not the role of the Parole Board to retry the issue. The Parole Board considers applications for the release having regard to all matters that it is required to take into account pursuant to legislation.