(1) This section applies if the sentence administration board intends to start an inquiry into an application for—
(a) parole by an offender under the Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005
, chapter 7 (Parole); or
(b) the release of an offender on licence under the Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005
, part 13.1 (Release on licence).
(2) A relevant justice agency must, as soon as practicable, tell a victim of an offender—
(a) about the inquiry; and
(b) how the victim may—
(i) make a submission to the board; or
(ii) tell the board about any concern in relation to the inquiry; or
(iii) ask the board not to give the submission or concern to the offender or another person.
Note 1 The sentence administration board must seek a registered victim's views before starting an inquiry for parole (see Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005
, s 123) or release on licence (see that Act
, s 292) for an offender.
Note 2 The sentence administration board must ensure, as far as practicable, that documents are not given to a person if it may endanger a victim or someone else, and other reasons (see Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005
, s 192).
(3) The relevant justice agency must also give the victim the following information to assist the victim to make a submission or tell the board about a concern:
(a) information about the offender;
(b) information about any assistance available to the victim to make a submission or tell the board about a concern.
Note 1 The Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005
sets out the information that must be given to a victim for an inquiry for parole (see that Act
, s 124) or release on licence (see that Act
, s 292 (6)).
Note 2 Information about an offender may only be disclosed to a registered victim of the offender if the disclosure is appropriate in the circumstances (see s 16I).
(4) In this section:
"relevant justice agency" means either of the following justice agencies:
(a) the adult offenders victims register unit;
(b) the sentence administration board when acting in an administrative capacity.