Parole conditions
What sort of conditions are in a parole order?
Parole orders consist of standard and special conditions. The standard conditions apply to all offenders and involve duties while under supervision. These would include reporting to the parole officer, keeping the parole officer informed of any changes of address or job and requesting permission from the relevant authorities for travel interstate or overseas.
Special conditions relate to any specific problems which have been identified in a particular case. They may specify counselling for financial, emotional or marital problems or for drug addiction. The provisions for drug users may include urinalysis.
What happens if a prisoner wants to travel overseas while on parole?
The prisoner must make an application to the Minister setting out reasons for wishing to travel and the length of time intended to be absent from Australia. Sufficient time must be given to allow the Minister or his delegate to consider an application. The prisoner should refer to the Policy—overseas travel for parolees prior to making an application for permission to travel overseas.
It should also be noted that some countries do not welcome people with drug convictions. If a prisoner with drug convictions wishes to travel to one of these countries, he or she will be expected to provide a copy of an entry visa. Normally permission to travel will not be granted unless a prisoner has been under supervision for six months.
How long does a parole order last?
The maximum period for a parole order is five years. If on a prisoner's release date the balance of the sentence is less than five years, then the balance will be the period of the parole order. However if there is a life sentence, a parole period will be specified in the parole order.
Are prisoners under supervision for the whole period of the parole order?
The maximum period under supervision is three years. However, if a prisoner is serving a life sentence, the Minister will determine what period is under supervision.
What happens if a prisoner is going to be removed from Australia on release?
If the prisoner is to be removed, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship arranges for departure as soon as possible after the expiration of the non-parole period. Re-entering Australia during the period of a parole order is a matter for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to decide.
If a decision on a prisoner's removal has not been made at the time of release, he or she may be held in detention or may be required to report to the parole service and remain under supervision until the case has been determined.
