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CRIMES (ADMINISTRATION OF SENTENCES) AMENDMENT (PAROLE) BILL 2004





                        New South Wales




Crimes (Administration of Sentences)
Amendment (Parole) Bill 2004


Contents

                                                                   Page
          1    Name of Act                                           2
          2    Commencement                                          2
          3    Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences)
               Act 1999 No 93                                        2
           4   Amendment of other Acts and instruments               2
  Schedule 1   Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences
               Act 1999                                              3
  Schedule 2   Amendment of other Acts and instruments              28
I certify that this PUBLIC BILL, which originated in the LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY,
has finally passed the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL and the LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY of
NEW SOUTH WALES.


                                               Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
                                               Legislative Assembly,
                                               Sydney,                     , 2004




                            New South Wales




Crimes (Administration of Sentences)
Amendment (Parole) Bill 2004
Act No      , 2004




An Act to amend the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 with respect to
parole; and for other purposes.




I have examined this Bill, and find it to correspond in all respects with the Bill
as finally passed by both Houses.


                          Chairman of Committees of the Legislative Assembly.
Clause 1          Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Parole) Bill 2004




The Legislature of New South Wales enacts:
 1    Name of Act
               This Act is the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment
               (Parole) Act 2004.
 2    Commencement
         (1)   This Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by proclamation,
               subject to this section.
         (2)   Schedule 1 [8] commences on the date of assent, or on the
               commencement of Schedule 3 [4] to the Compulsory Drug Treatment
               Correctional Centre Act 2004, whichever is the later.
         (3)   Schedule 1 [9] commences on the commencement of Schedule 1 [49] to
               this Act, or on the commencement of Schedule 3 [4] to the Compulsory
               Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Act 2004, whichever is the later.
         (4)   Schedule 1 [17] commences on the commencement of Schedule 1 [49]
               to this Act, or on the commencement of Schedule 3 [5] to the
               Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Act 2004, whichever
               is the later.
         (5)   Schedule 1 [18] commences on the commencement of Schedule 1 [16]
               to this Act, or on the commencement of Schedule 1 [6] to the
               Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Act 2004, whichever
               is the later.
         (6)   Schedule 2.3 commences on the commencement of Schedule 1 [49] to
               this Act, or on the commencement of Schedule 1 [6] to the Compulsory
               Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Act 2004, whichever is the later.
 3    Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 No 93
               The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 is amended as set
               out in Schedule 1.
 4    Amendment of other Acts and instruments
               Each Act and instrument referred to in Schedule 2 is amended as set out
               in that Schedule.




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Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Parole) Bill 2004

Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999              Schedule 1




Schedule 1             Amendment of Crimes (Administration
                       of Sentences) Act 1999
                                                                           (Section 3)
[1]   The whole Act (except to the extent to which its provisions are otherwise
      amended or repealed by this Act and except Schedule 5)
      Omit "Parole Board" and "Parole Board's" wherever occurring.
      Insert instead "Parole Authority" and "Parole Authority's", respectively.
[2]   Section 3 Interpretation
      Omit the definition of Chief Executive Officer, Corrections Health Service
      and the definitions of Corrections Health Service, full-time detention, Parole
      Board and periodic detention from section 3 (1).
      Insert in alphabetical order:
                    Chief Executive Officer, Justice Health means the person for the
                    time being holding office or acting as the chief executive officer
                    of Justice Health under the Health Services Act 1997.
                    full-time detention means detention in a correctional centre, but
                    does not include periodic detention.
                    Justice Health means the statutory health corporation of that
                    name specified in Schedule 2 to the Health Services Act 1997.
                    Parole Authority means the State Parole Authority constituted by
                    section 183.
                    parole eligibility date, in relation to an offender, means:
                     (a) subject to paragraph (b), the date on which the offender
                           first becomes eligible for release on parole, or
                    (b) if the offender is returned to custody following revocation
                           of parole, the date occurring 12 months after the date on
                           which the offender is so returned.
                    periodic detention, in relation to an offender, means:
                     (a) detention in a periodic detention centre, or
                    (b) participation in an activity pursuant to an order referred to
                           in section 84 (1) (a), or
                     (c) the carrying out of community service work pursuant to an
                           order referred to in section 84 (1) (b),
                    for as many detention periods as there are weeks in the term of
                    the offender's sentence.
                    Probation and Parole Service means the administrative unit of
                    that name that exists within the Department.


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Schedule 1          Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




 [3]   Section 4 Application of Part
       Insert at the end of section 4 (1) (e):
                            , and
                      (f) any person in custody who is given into the keeping of a
                            correctional officer under section 250.
 [4]   Section 51 Definitions
       Insert "(whether or not it is also a criminal offence)" after "by an inmate" in
       the definition of correctional centre offence.
 [5]   Section 51, definition of "criminal offence"
       Insert in alphabetical order:
                     criminal offence means an act or omission that constitutes an
                     offence otherwise than as a consequence of its having been
                     declared by the regulations to be a correctional centre offence for
                     the purposes of this Division.
 [6]   Section 58 Certain offences may be dealt with by Local Court
       Omit "an offence for which criminal proceedings can and should".
       Insert instead "a criminal offence for which proceedings should".
 [7]   Section 73 Compulsory medical treatment
       Omit "Corrections Health Service" wherever occurring.
       Insert instead "Justice Health".
 [8]   Sections 106F, 106G and 106U (as inserted by Schedule 3 [4] to the
       Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Act 2004)
       Omit "Corrections Health Service" wherever occurring.
       Insert instead "Justice Health".
 [9]   Sections 106Q, 106T and 106Y (as inserted by Schedule 3 [4] to the
       Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Act 2004)
       Omit "Parole Board" wherever occurring. Insert instead "Parole Authority".
[10]   Section 128 Conditions governing parole
       Insert after section 128 (2):
             (2A)      The conditions of a parole order must include conditions giving
                       effect to a post-release plan, prepared by the Probation and Parole
                       Service and adopted by the Parole Authority, in relation to the
                       offender.


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Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999                 Schedule 1




[11]   Section 128 (3)
       Omit "The conditions".
       Insert instead "Without limiting subsection (2A), the conditions".
[12]   Section 129 Obligations of offender
       Omit "subject, and" from section 129 (b). Insert instead "subject.".
[13]   Section 129 (c)
       Omit the paragraph.
[14]   Section 130 Revocation of parole order before release
       Insert at the end of the section:
              (2)   Division 4 of Part 7 applies to the revocation of a parole order
                    under this section in the same way as it applies to the revocation
                    of a parole order under Division 3 of that Part.
[15]   Section 131A Reasons for parole decisions
       Omit the section.
[16]   Sections 135 and 135A
       Omit section 135. Insert instead:
       135   General duty of Parole Authority
              (1)   The Parole Authority must not make a parole order for an
                    offender unless it is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that
                    the release of the offender is appropriate in the public interest.
              (2)   In deciding whether or not the release of an offender is
                    appropriate in the public interest, the Parole Authority must have
                    regard to the following matters:
                     (a) the need to protect the safety of the community,
                    (b) the need to maintain public confidence in the
                          administration of justice,
                     (c) the nature and circumstances of the offence to which the
                          offender's sentence relates,
                    (d) any relevant comments made by the sentencing court,
                     (e) the offender's criminal history,
                     (f) the likelihood of the offender being able to adapt to normal
                          lawful community life,




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Schedule 1         Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




                      (g)    the likely effect on any victim of the offender, and on any
                             such victim's family, of the offender being released on
                             parole,
                      (h)    any report in relation to the granting of parole to the
                             offender that has been prepared by or on behalf of the
                             Probation and Parole Service, as referred to in section
                             135A,
                       (i)   any other report in relation to the granting of parole to the
                             offender that has been prepared by or on behalf of the
                             Review Council, the Commissioner or any other authority
                             of the State,
                       (j)   such guidelines as are in force under section 185A,
                      (k)    such other matters as the Parole Authority considers
                             relevant.
             (3)      Except in exceptional circumstances, the Parole Authority must
                      not make a parole order for a serious offender unless the Review
                      Council advises that it is appropriate for the offender to be
                      considered for release on parole.
    135A     Preparation of reports by Probation and Parole Service
                      A report prepared by or on behalf of the Probation and Parole
                      Service for the purposes of section 135 must address the
                      following matters:
                       (a) the likelihood of the offender being able to adapt to normal
                            lawful community life,
                      (b) the risk of the offender re-offending while on release on
                            parole, and the measures to be taken to reduce that risk,
                       (c) the measures to be taken to assist the offender while on
                            release on parole, as set out in a post-release plan prepared
                            by the Probation and Parole Service in relation to the
                            offender,
                      (d) the offender's attitude to the offence to which his or her
                            sentence relates,
                       (e) the offender's willingness to participate in rehabilitation
                            programs, and the success or otherwise of his or her
                            participation in such programs,
                       (f) the offender's attitude to any victim of the offence to
                            which his or her sentence relates, and to the family of any
                            such victim,




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Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999                   Schedule 1




                     (g)    any offences committed by the offender while in custody,
                            including in particular any correctional centre offences and
                            any offence involving an escape or attempted escape,
                     (h)    the likelihood of the offender complying with any
                            conditions to which his or her parole may be made subject.
[17]    Section 135 (as substituted by item [16])
        Omit "Parole Board" from section 135 (2) (ia) (as inserted by Schedule 3 [5]
        to the Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Act 2004).
        Insert instead "Parole Authority".
[18]    Section 135A (as inserted by item [16])
        Insert after section 135A (h):
                       (i) in the case of an offender in respect of whom the Drug
                             Court has declined to make a compulsory drug treatment
                             order on the ground referred to in section 18D (1) (b) (vi)
                             of the Drug Court Act 1998, the contents of any notice
                             under section 18D (2) (b) of that Act.
[19]    Sections 137-137C
        Omit section 137. Insert instead:
        137   Consideration of parole when offender first eligible for parole
              (1)    The Parole Authority must consider whether or not an offender
                     should be released on parole at least 60 days before the offender's
                     parole eligibility date.
              (2)    Despite subsection (1), the Parole Authority may defer
                     consideration of an offender's case until not less than 21 days
                     before the offender's parole eligibility date if it is of the opinion:
                     (a) that it is unable to complete its consideration because it has
                           not been furnished with a report required to be made to it,
                           or
                     (b) that there are other relevant matters requiring further
                           consideration.
       137A   Consideration of parole in subsequent years
              (1)    At any time within 90 days before the anniversary of an
                     offender's parole eligibility date, the offender, if still eligible for
                     release on parole, may apply to be released on parole.
              (2)    After receiving such an application, but not more than 60 days
                     before the anniversary of the offender's parole eligibility date,


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Schedule 1          Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




                       the Parole Authority must consider whether or not the offender
                       should be released on parole.
              (3)      Despite subsection (2):
                       (a) if the offender is unlawfully at large following revocation
                             of parole, the Parole Authority is not required to consider
                             the offender's case until the offender is returned to
                             custody, and
                       (b) if the offender is unlawfully at large for the whole of one
                             or more years following the revocation, the Parole
                             Authority may decline to consider the offender's case at all
                             in relation to that year or those years, and
                       (c) in any case, the Parole Authority may decline to consider
                             an offender's case for up to 3 years at a time after it last
                             considered the grant of parole to the offender.
       137B   Consideration of parole so as to avoid manifest injustice
                       The Parole Authority may consider an offender's case at any time
                       after the offender's parole eligibility date, and without the need
                       for an application, in such circumstances as may be prescribed by
                       the regulations as constituting manifest injustice.
       137C   Parole Authority may examine offender
              (1)      For the purpose of its consideration of an offender's case, the
                       Parole Authority may (but need not) examine the offender.
              (2)      An offender is not entitled to make submissions to the Parole
                       Authority at any meeting held by it for the purposes of this
                       section, and consequently section 190 (1) does not apply to any
                       such meeting.
[20]    Section 138 Release of offender on parole
        Omit section 138 (1). Insert instead:
              (1)      As soon as practicable after deciding to release an offender on
                       parole, the Parole Authority must make an order directing that the
                       offender be released on parole on or before a day occurring
                       during a period specified in accordance with subsection (1AA).
           (1AA)       The period to be specified in a parole order under this section is
                       to be:
                        (a) if the order is made earlier than the offender's parole
                              eligibility date, a period beginning no earlier than the
                              offender's parole eligibility date and ending no later than
                              35 days after that date, and



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Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999              Schedule 1




                    (b)    in any other case, a period beginning no earlier than the
                           date on which the order is made and ending no later than
                           35 days after that date.
[21]   Section 138 (1A)
       Omit "subsection (1) (a)". Insert instead "subsection (1)".
[22]   Sections 139 and 140
       Omit the sections. Insert instead:
       139   Notice to offender of intention to refuse parole
              (1)   As soon as practicable after forming an initial intention not to
                    make a parole order for an offender, the Parole Authority:
                    (a) must give notice of its intention to the offender, and
                    (b) must determine whether, in relation to any reconsideration
                         of the matter:
                           (i) there will be a hearing, whether or not the offender
                                requests a hearing, or
                          (ii) there will be a hearing only if the offender requests
                                a hearing and the Parole Authority is satisfied that a
                                hearing is warranted.
              (2)   The notice must inform the offender of the following matters:
                    (a) that the Parole Authority's initial intention is not to make
                          a parole order in relation to the offender,
                    (b) that the offender may apply to the Parole Authority for the
                          matter to be reconsidered,
                    (c) that, if the offender makes such an application:
                           (i) there will be a hearing, whether or not the offender
                                requests a hearing, or
                          (ii) there will be a hearing only if the offender requests
                                a hearing and the Parole Authority is satisfied that a
                                hearing is warranted,
                    (d) that the Parole Authority will take into account any
                          submissions by the offender when making its final
                          decision on the matter.
              (3)   The notice:
                    (a) must indicate the address to which such an application
                          should be sent, and the date by which such an application
                          must be made, and




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Schedule 1           Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




                        (b)   subject to section 194, must be accompanied by copies of
                              the reports and other documents intended to be used by the
                              Parole Authority in making its final decision.
               (4)      An application by an offender under this section:
                        (a) may be accompanied by written submissions in support of
                             the application, and
                        (b) if the notice to the offender states that there will be a
                             hearing only if the application requests a hearing, may
                             request a hearing.
               (5)      If there is to be a hearing, the Parole Authority:
                         (a) must set a date (occurring as soon as practicable) on which
                               the hearing will be conducted, and
                        (b) must give notice to the offender of the date, time and place
                               for the hearing.
        140   Conduct of hearing
               (1)      At any hearing conducted by the Parole Authority pursuant to an
                        application under section 139, the offender may make
                        submissions to the Parole Authority as to whether or not the
                        offender should be released on parole.
               (2)      Submissions may be made orally or in writing and, if in writing,
                        may be given to the Parole Authority either in advance of or at the
                        hearing.
               (3)      The Parole Authority may postpone or adjourn a hearing for any
                        reason that seems appropriate to it.
[23]    Section 141 Decision following review
        Insert ", submissions" after "documents" in section 141 (1).
[24]    Section 141 (3)
        Omit "7" wherever occurring. Insert instead "35".
[25]    Section 141A
        Insert after section 141:
       141A   Submissions by Commissioner
               (1)      The Commissioner may at any time make submissions to the
                        Parole Authority concerning the release on parole of an offender.




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Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999                   Schedule 1




              (2)    If the Commissioner makes any such submission before the
                     Parole Authority makes a final decision concerning the release of
                     the offender, the Parole Authority must not make such a decision
                     without taking the submission into account.
              (3)    If the Commissioner makes any such submission after the Parole
                     Authority makes a final decision concerning the release of the
                     offender, but before the offender is released, the Parole Authority
                     must consider whether or not it should exercise its power under
                     section 130 to revoke the relevant parole order.
[26]    Sections 143-143C
        Omit section 143. Insert instead:
        143   Consideration of parole when serious offender first eligible for
              parole
              (1)    The Parole Authority must consider whether or not a serious
                     offender should be released on parole at least 60 days before the
                     offender's parole eligibility date.
              (2)    Despite subsection (1), the Parole Authority may defer
                     consideration of an offender's case until not less than 21 days
                     before the offender's parole eligibility date if it is of the opinion:
                     (a) that it is unable to complete its consideration because it has
                           not been furnished with a report required to be made to it,
                           or
                     (b) that there are other relevant matters requiring further
                           consideration.
       143A   Consideration of parole in subsequent years
              (1)    At any time within 90 days before the anniversary of a serious
                     offender's parole eligibility date, the offender, if still eligible for
                     release on parole, may apply to be released on parole.
              (2)    After receiving such an application, but not more than 60 days
                     before the anniversary of the offender's parole eligibility date,
                     the Parole Authority must consider whether or not the offender
                     should be released on parole.
              (3)    Despite subsection (2):
                     (a) if the offender is unlawfully at large following revocation
                           of parole, the Parole Authority is not required to consider
                           the offender's case until the offender is returned to
                           custody, and




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Schedule 1           Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




                        (b)   if the offender is unlawfully at large for the whole of one
                              or more years following the revocation, the Parole
                              Authority may decline to consider the offender's case at all
                              in relation to that year or those years, and
                        (c)   in any case, the Parole Authority may decline to consider
                              an offender's case for up to 3 years at a time after it last
                              considered the grant of parole to the offender.
       143B   Consideration of parole so as to avoid manifest injustice
                        The Parole Authority may consider a serious offender's case at
                        any time after the offender's parole eligibility date, and without
                        the need for an application, in such circumstances as may be
                        prescribed by the regulations as constituting manifest injustice.
       143C   Parole Authority may examine serious offender
               (1)      For the purpose of its consideration of a serious offender's case,
                        the Parole Authority may (but need not) examine the offender.
               (2)      A serious offender is not entitled to make submissions to the
                        Parole Authority at any meeting held by it for the purposes of this
                        section, and consequently section 190 (1) does not apply to any
                        such meeting.
[27]    Sections 145-147
        Omit the sections. Insert instead:
        145   Notice to victims of intention to grant parole
               (1)      As soon as practicable after forming an initial intention to make
                        a parole order for a serious offender, but subject to and in
                        accordance with the regulations, the Parole Authority must give
                        notice of its intention to those victims of the offender (if any)
                        whose names are recorded in the Victims Register.
               (2)      The notice must inform each victim concerned of the following
                        matters:
                        (a) that the Parole Authority's initial intention is to make a
                              parole order in relation to the offender,
                        (b) that the victim may apply to the Parole Authority for the
                              matter to be reconsidered,
                        (c) that, if the victim makes such an application, there will be
                              a hearing only if the application requests a hearing,
                        (d) that the Parole Authority will take into account any
                              submissions by the victim when making its final decision
                              on the matter.


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Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999                Schedule 1




             (3)    The notice must indicate the address to which such an application
                    should be sent and the date by which such an application must be
                    made.
             (4)    An application by a victim under this section:
                    (a) may be accompanied by written submissions in support of
                         the application, and
                    (b) may request a hearing.
             (5)    If the application requests a hearing, the Parole Authority:
                     (a) must set a date (occurring as soon as practicable) on which
                           the hearing will be conducted, and
                    (b) must give notice to the Commissioner, the offender and the
                           victim of the date, time and place for the hearing.
             (6)    The notice to the offender under subsection (5) (b) must include
                    the following information:
                     (a) that the Parole Authority's initial intention is to make a
                           parole order,
                    (b) that there will be a hearing conducted for the purpose of
                           reconsidering the matter,
                     (c) that, following the hearing, the Parole Authority could
                           change its intention,
                    (d) that the offender will be entitled to make submissions at
                           the hearing as to whether or not the offender should be
                           released on parole,
                     (e) that other submissions may be made at the hearing by the
                           State and by victims of the offender.
             (7)    In circumstances where, under subsection (1), notice need not be
                    given of its initial intention, the Parole Authority may, subject to
                    section 152, proceed immediately to confirm its intention.
      146    Notice to serious offender of intention to refuse parole
             (1)    As soon as practicable after forming an initial intention not to
                    make a parole order for a serious offender, the Parole Authority:
                    (a) must give notice of its intention to the offender, and
                    (b) must determine whether, in relation to any reconsideration
                         of the matter:
                          (i) there will be a hearing, whether or not the offender
                                requests a hearing, or




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                             (ii)   there will be a hearing only if the offender requests
                                    a hearing and the Parole Authority is satisfied that a
                                    hearing is warranted.
             (2)      The notice must inform the offender of the following matters:
                      (a) that the Parole Authority's initial intention is not to make
                            a parole order in relation to the offender,
                      (b) that the offender may apply to the Parole Authority for the
                            matter to be reconsidered,
                      (c) that, if the offender makes such an application:
                             (i) there will be a hearing, whether or not the offender
                                  requests a hearing, or
                            (ii) there will be a hearing only if the offender requests
                                  a hearing and the Parole Authority is satisfied that a
                                  hearing is warranted,
                      (d) that the Parole Authority will take into account any
                            submissions by the offender when making its final
                            decision on the matter.
             (3)      The notice:
                      (a) must indicate the address to which such an application
                            should be sent, and the date by which such an application
                            must be made, and
                      (b) subject to section 194, must be accompanied by copies of
                            the reports and other documents intended to be used by the
                            Parole Authority in making its final decision.
             (4)      An application by an offender under this section:
                      (a) may be accompanied by written submissions in support of
                           the application, and
                      (b) if the notice to the offender states that there will be a
                           hearing only if the application requests a hearing, may
                           request a hearing.
             (5)      If there is to be a hearing, the Parole Authority:
                       (a) must set a date (occurring as soon as practicable) on which
                             the hearing will be conducted, and
                      (b) must give notice to the Commissioner, the offender and,
                             subject to and in accordance with the regulations, to those
                             victims of the offender (if any) whose names are recorded
                             in the Victims Register, of the date, time and place for the
                             hearing.




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              (6)   The notice to a victim under subsection (5) (b) must include the
                    following information:
                     (a) that the Parole Authority's initial intention is not to make
                          a parole order,
                    (b) that there will be a hearing for the purpose of reconsidering
                          the matter,
                     (c) that, following the hearing, the Parole Authority could
                          change its intention,
                    (d) that the victim will be entitled to make submissions at the
                          hearing as to whether or not the offender should be
                          released on parole,
                     (e) that other submissions may be made at the hearing by the
                          State and by the offender.
       147   Conduct of hearing
              (1)   At any hearing conducted by the Parole Authority pursuant to an
                    application under section 145 or 146, both the offender and any
                    victim of the offender may make submissions to the Parole
                    Authority as to whether or not the offender should be released on
                    parole.
              (2)   Submissions may be made orally or in writing and, if in writing,
                    may be given to the Parole Authority either in advance of or at the
                    hearing.
              (3)   The Parole Authority may postpone or adjourn a hearing for any
                    reason that seems appropriate to it.
[28]   Section 148 Principles on which Parole Authority's final decision to be
       made
       Omit "victim submissions" wherever occurring in section 148 (1) (a) and (b)
       (except where secondly occurring in section 148 (1) (a)).
       Insert instead "submissions to the contrary".
[29]   Section 148 (1) (d)
       Omit "victim". Insert instead "other".
[30]   Section 148 (2)
       Insert ", subject to section 185 (2)," after "and".
[31]   Section 149 Decision following review
       Insert "occurring during a period" after "on a day" in section 149 (3).



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Schedule 1          Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




[32]   Section 150 Decision where no review
       Insert "or other submissions to the contrary" after "no victim submissions" in
       section 150 (1).
[33]   Section 150 (3)
       Insert "occurring during a period" after "on a day".
[34]   Section 151 Release of serious offender on parole
       Omit section 151 (1). Insert instead:
              (1)      The period to be specified in a parole order under section 149 or
                       150 is to be:
                       (a) if the order is made earlier than 14 days before the
                              offender's parole eligibility date, a period beginning no
                              earlier than the offender's parole eligibility date and
                              ending no later than 21 days after that date, and
                       (b) in any other case, a period beginning no earlier than 14
                              days after the date on which the order is made and ending
                              no later than 35 days after that date.
[35]   Section 151 (2)
       Omit "7". Insert instead "14".
[36]   Sections 151, 155, 156, 157, 176, 177 and 178
       Omit "Court of Criminal Appeal" wherever occurring.
       Insert instead "Supreme Court".
[37]   Section 153
       Omit the section. Insert instead:
       153   Submissions by State
              (1)      The State may at any time make submissions to the Parole
                       Authority concerning the release on parole of a serious offender.
              (2)      If the State makes any such submission before the Parole
                       Authority makes a final decision concerning the release of the
                       offender, the Parole Authority must not make such a decision
                       without taking the submission into account.




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             (3)    If the State makes any such submission after the Parole Authority
                    makes a final decision concerning the release of the offender, but
                    before the offender is released, the Parole Authority must
                    consider whether or not it should exercise its power under section
                    130 to revoke the relevant parole order.
             (4)    The regulations may make provision for or with respect to
                    submissions by the State under this section, including provisions
                    relating to the application of this Subdivision in connection with
                    any such submission.
             (5)    The powers of the State under this section may be exercised by
                    the Commissioner and by any other authority of the State.
[38]   Section 154A Serious offenders the subject of non-release
       recommendations
       Omit "Chief Executive Officer of the Corrections Health Service" from
       section 154A (3) (a).
       Insert instead "Chief Executive Officer, Justice Health".
[39]   Part 6, Division 2, Subdivision 4, heading
       Omit "Court of Criminal Appeal". Insert instead "Supreme Court".
[40]   Section 163 Revocation of periodic detention order
       Omit "revoked." from section 163 (1) (c). Insert instead:
                         revoked,
                    and may do so either on its own initiative or on the
                    recommendation of the Commissioner.
[41]   Sections 165AA, 179A and 181
       Omit "the Board's" and "the Board" wherever occurring.
       Insert instead "the Parole Authority's" and "the Parole Authority",
       respectively.
[42]   Section 167 Revocation of home detention order
       Omit "order." from section 167 (1) (d). Insert instead:
                         order,
                    and may do so either on its own initiative or on the
                    recommendation of the Commissioner or a probation and parole
                    officer.




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Schedule 1           Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




[43]    Section 170 Revocation of parole order
        Omit "revoked." from section 170 (1) (c). Insert instead:
                          revoked,
                        and may do so either on its own initiative or on the
                        recommendation of the Commissioner or a probation and parole
                        officer.
[44]    Section 172A
        Insert after section 172:
       172A   Interim suspension of parole order
               (1)      On the application of the Commissioner, a judicial member of the
                        Parole Authority:
                        (a) may make an order suspending an offender's parole order,
                              and
                        (b) if the offender is not then in custody, may issue a warrant
                              for the offender's arrest.
               (2)      An application under subsection (1) may be made in person or by
                        telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission.
               (3)      Action under subsection (1) may only be taken in relation to an
                        offender's parole order if the judicial member is satisfied:
                        (a) that the Commissioner has reasonable grounds for
                               believing:
                                (i) that the offender has failed to comply with the
                                      offender's obligations under the parole order, or
                               (ii) that there is a serious and immediate risk that the
                                      offender will leave New South Wales in
                                      contravention of the conditions of the parole order,
                                      or
                              (iii) that there is a serious and immediate risk that the
                                      offender will harm another person, or
                              (iv) that there is a serious and immediate risk that the
                                      offender will commit an offence, and
                        (b) that, because of the urgency of the circumstances, there is
                               insufficient time for a meeting of the Parole Authority to
                               be convened to deal with the matter.
               (4)      If an application under this section is made otherwise than in
                        person, the judicial member may furnish the applicant with a
                        suspension order or arrest warrant:



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Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999                Schedule 1




                    (a)    by sending a copy of the order or warrant to the applicant
                           by electronic mail or facsimile transmission, or
                    (b)    by dictating the terms of the order or warrant to the
                           applicant by telephone.
             (5)    A document:
                    (a) that contains:
                           (i) a copy of a suspension order or arrest warrant that
                               the judicial member has sent by electronic mail or
                               facsimile transmission, or
                          (ii) the terms of a suspension order or arrest warrant that
                               the judicial member has dictated by telephone, and
                    (b) that bears a notation:
                           (i) as to the identity of the judicial member, and
                          (ii) as to the time at which the copy was sent or the terms
                               dictated,
                    has the same effect as the original suspension order or arrest
                    warrant.
             (6)    A suspension order may be revoked by any judicial member of
                    the Parole Authority or by the Commissioner.
             (7)    Unless sooner revoked, a suspension order ceases to have effect
                    at the end of 28 days after it is made or, if the offender is not in
                    custody when it is made, at the end of 28 days after the offender
                    is taken into custody.
             (8)    While a suspension order is in force, the parole order to which it
                    relates does not have effect.
             (9)    An arrest warrant is sufficient authority for a police officer to
                    arrest the offender named in the warrant, to convey the offender
                    to the correctional centre specified in the warrant and to deliver
                    the offender into the custody of the governor of that correctional
                    centre.
            (10)    In this section:
                    arrest warrant means a warrant referred to in subsection (1) (b).
                    suspension order means an order referred to in subsection (1) (a).
[45]   Section 173 Notice of revocation
       Insert "and, in any case, within 21 days after the offender is returned to
       custody" after "executed" in section 173 (1A) (b).




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Schedule 1          Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




[46]   Part 7, Division 5, heading
       Omit "Court of Criminal Appeal". Insert instead "Supreme Court".
[47]   Section 179 Consequential revocation of other orders
       Omit "Divisions 1, 2 and 3" from section 179 (2).
       Insert instead "Divisions 1-4".
[48]   Section 180 Offenders to attend Parole Authority when called on
       Omit "or the Secretary of the Parole Board" from section 180 (2) (a).
[49]   Section 183 Constitution of Parole Authority
       Omit section 183 (1). Insert instead:
              (1)      There is constituted by this Act a State Parole Authority.
[50]   Section 183 (2) (d)
       Omit the paragraph.
[51]   Section 183 (2A)
       Insert after section 183 (2):
             (2A)      Of the members referred to in subsection (2) (e), at least one must
                       be a person who, in the opinion of the Minister, has an
                       appreciation or understanding of the interests of victims of crime.
[52]   Section 184 Divisions of Parole Authority
       Omit section 184 (2) (c). Insert instead:
                    (c) one or more official members.
[53]   Sections 185 and 185A
       Omit section 185. Insert instead:
       185    Functions of Parole Authority
              (1)      The Parole Authority has the following functions:
                       (a) to determine matters with respect to the granting of parole
                             and the conditions on which parole is granted,
                       (b) to determine matters with respect to the revocation of
                             periodic detention orders, home detention orders and
                             parole orders,
                       (c) such other functions as are conferred or imposed on it by
                             or under this or any other Act or law.



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               (2)   In exercising its functions, the Parole Authority:
                      (a) must have regard to the fact that the Commissioner has the
                           care, control and management of all offenders who are
                           held in custody in accordance with Part 2, 3 or 4, and
                     (b) must consider any submissions made to it by the
                           Commissioner or by any other person or body entitled to
                           make such submissions.
               (3)   In particular, in exercising any function in respect of which the
                     Review Council has furnished advice, the Parole Authority must
                     have regard not only to that advice but also to any submissions
                     made by the Commissioner with respect to that advice.
       185A   Establishment of guidelines
                     In consultation with the Minister, the Parole Authority may from
                     time to time establish guidelines (not inconsistent with this Act or
                     the regulations) in relation to the exercise of its functions.
[54]    Section 189 Misconduct before Parole Authority
        Omit the penalty provision at the end of section 189 (1). Insert instead:
                    Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units or imprisonment for 28 days.
[55]    Section 192 Report to Minister
        Omit section 192 (2). Insert instead:
               (2)   The Parole Authority must also report to the Minister from time
                     to time on any aspect of its activities concerning which the
                     Minister requests a report.
[56]    Sections 193A-193C
        Insert after section 193:
       193A   Access to documents held by Parole Authority
               (1)   The Minister is entitled to be given access to all documents held
                     by or on behalf of the Parole Authority.
               (2)   Subject to section 194, a victim of a serious offender is entitled to
                     be given access to all documents held by or on behalf of the
                     Parole Authority in relation to the offender.




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Schedule 1         Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




    193B     Recommendations to Commissioner
             (1)      The Parole Authority may at any time make recommendations to
                      the Commissioner concerning the preparation of offenders for
                      release on parole, either generally or in relation to any particular
                      offender or class of offenders.
             (2)      In exercising his or her functions, the Commissioner must have
                      regard to, but is not bound by, any such recommendation.
    193C     Parole Authority decisions
             (1)      The Parole Authority must cause a record of its reasons for the
                      following decisions under Parts 6 and 7 to be kept in the minutes
                      of its meetings:
                       (a) all decisions that result in the granting or refusing of
                             parole,
                      (b) all decisions that result in the revocation of a periodic
                             detention order, home detention order or parole order,
                       (c) all decisions that result in the refusal to revoke a periodic
                             detention order or home detention order following a
                             recommendation referred to in section 163 (1) or 167 (1),
                      (d) all decisions that result in the refusal to revoke a parole
                             order:
                              (i) following a submission made under section 141A
                                    (3) or 153 (3), or
                             (ii) following a recommendation referred to in section
                                    170 (1).
             (2)      In recording its reasons for a decision under Division 2 of Part 6
                      that an offender should or should not be released on parole, the
                      Parole Authority must address:
                       (a) the matters referred to in section 135, and
                      (b) if the decision relates to a serious offender to whom section
                             154 applies, the matters referred to in that section, and
                       (c) such other matters as the Parole Authority is, under this
                             Act or the regulations, required to take into account in
                             making the decision.
             (3)      Copies of any records made under this section are to be supplied
                      to the Minister, the Commissioner and the Probation and Parole
                      Service, as they may request.
             (4)      Subject to this Act, a decision by the Parole Authority under Part
                      6 or 7 is final.



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Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999              Schedule 1




[57]   Section 194 Security of certain information
       Insert at the end of section 194 (d):
                            , or
                      (e) adversely affect the supervision of any offender who has
                            been released on parole, or
                      (f) disclose the contents of any offender's medical,
                            psychiatric or psychological report.
[58]   Section 194 (2)
       Insert at the end of section 194:
              (2)   Subsection (1) does not permit the Minister to be denied access
                    to any document held by the Parole Authority.
[59]   Section 198 Matters to be considered in relation to certain advisory
       functions
       Insert after section 198 (2):
            (2A)    When exercising its functions under section 197 (2) (b) in
                    relation to a serious offender, the Review Council must consider
                    the following matters:
                     (a) the public interest,
                    (b) the offender's classification history,
                     (c) the offender's conduct while in custody, both in relation to
                           sentences currently being served and in relation to earlier
                           sentences,
                    (d) the offender's willingness to participate in rehabilitation
                           programs, and the success or otherwise of his or her
                           participation in such programs,
                     (e) any relevant reports (including any medical, psychiatric or
                           psychological reports) that are available to the Review
                           Council in relation to the offender,
                     (f) any other matter that the Review Council considers to be
                           relevant.
[60]   Section 198 (3)
       Omit "subsection (1)". Insert instead "subsections (1) and (2A)".




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Schedule 1       Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




[61]   Section 232 Commissioner
       Insert after section 232 (1) (a):
                     (a1) has the care, control and management of all offenders who
                            are held in custody in accordance with Part 2, 3 or 4, and
[62]   Section 232 (2)
       Insert ", (a1)" after "(a)".
[63]   Section 236A Functions of Justice Health
       Omit "The Corrections Health Service". Insert instead "Justice Health".
[64]   Section 236B CEO, Justice Health, to have access to correctional
       centres, offenders and medical records
       Omit "the Corrections Health Service". Insert instead "Justice Health".
[65]   Sections 236B, 236C and 236D
       Omit "Chief Executive Officer, Corrections Health Service" wherever
       occurring.
       Insert instead "Chief Executive Officer, Justice Health".
[66]   Section 236E Definitions
       Omit the definition of authorised person. Insert instead:
                   authorised person means a person appointed in accordance with
                   the regulations to be an authorised person for the purposes of this
                   Division.
[67]   Section 236H Protection from liability
       Omit "authorised officer" from section 236H (1) (b).
       Insert instead "authorised person".
[68]   Section 236I Regulations
       Omit section 236I (a). Insert instead:
                    (a) the appointment of authorised persons for the purposes of
                          this Division,
[69]   Section 244 CEO, Justice Health, to have access to correctional centres,
       offenders and medical records
       Omit "Corrections Health Service" wherever occurring.
       Insert instead "Justice Health".




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[70]   Section 256 Victims Register
       Omit "a criminal offence" from the definition of victim in section 256 (5).
       Insert instead "an offence".
[71]   Schedule 1 Parole Authority
       Insert after clause 2 (3):
            (3A)     The term for which a person is appointed to act in the office of a
                     Deputy Chairperson is to be such period (not exceeding 3 years)
                     as is specified in the relevant instrument of appointment.
[72]   Schedule 1, clause 19 (2)
       Insert at the end of clause 19:
              (2)    The Secretary of the Parole Authority is taken to be a non-judicial
                     member for the purposes of a committee appointed for the
                     purpose referred to in subclause (1) (b), and may consequently be
                     appointed as a member of such a committee.
[73]   Schedule 2 Serious Offenders Review Council
       Insert after clause 2 (3):
            (3A)     The term for which a person is appointed to act in the office of
                     the Deputy Chairperson is to be such period (not exceeding 3
                     years) as is specified in the relevant instrument of appointment.
[74]   Schedule 5 Savings, transitional and other provisions
       Insert at the end of clause 1 (1):
                     Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Parole) Act
                     2004
[75]   Schedule 5
       Insert at the end of the Schedule, with appropriate Part and clause numbers:

       Part          Provisions consequent on enactment of
                     Crimes (Administration of Sentences)
                     Amendment (Parole) Act 2004
              Definition
                     In this Part, the 2004 amending Act means the Crimes
                     (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Parole) Act 2004.




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Schedule 1         Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999




             Parole Authority a continuation of former Parole Board
             (1)      The Parole Authority is a continuation of, and the same legal
                      entity as, the former Parole Board.
             (2)      Each person who was a member of the Parole Board immediately
                      before the commencement of this clause continues to hold office
                      as a member of the Parole Authority for the residue of the term
                      for which he or she was appointed as a member of the Parole
                      Board.
             (3)      A reference to the Parole Board in any other Act or instrument
                      extends to the Parole Authority.
             Matters pending before former Parole Board
             (1)      Any matter that was pending before the former Parole Board
                      before the commencement of Schedule 1 [19] to the 2004
                      amending Act, including any matter that the former Parole Board
                      had commenced to consider under section 137, is to be continued
                      and completed, until a final decision on the matter has been
                      reached, as if that Act had not been enacted.
             (2)      Any matter that was pending before the former Parole Board
                      before the commencement of Schedule 1 [26] to the 2004
                      amending Act, including any matter that the former Parole Board
                      had commenced to consider under section 143, is to be continued
                      and completed, until a final decision on the matter has been
                      reached, as if that Act had not been enacted.
             Proceedings pending before the Court of Criminal Appeal
                      Any proceedings that were pending before the Court of Criminal
                      Appeal immediately before the commencement of Schedule 1
                      [36] to the 2004 amending Act are to be continued and completed
                      as if that Act had not been enacted.
             Unexecuted arrest warrants
                      The amendment to section 180 made by Schedule 1 [48] to the
                      2004 amending Act does not affect the validity of any warrant
                      signed by the Secretary of the former Parole Board before the
                      commencement of that amendment.




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Amendment of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999             Schedule 1




             Authorised persons under section 236E
                    Any person who was an authorised person under section 236E
                    immediately before the amendment to that section by Schedule 1
                    [66] to the 2004 amending Act is taken, on the commencement of
                    that amendment, to be an authorised person under that section, as
                    so amended.




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               Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Parole) Bill 2004

Schedule 2     Amendment of other Acts and instruments




Schedule 2            Amendment of other Acts and
                      instruments
                                                                           (Section 4)

2.1 Children (Detention Centres) Act 1987 No 57
      Section 29 Application of Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999
      to detainees
      Omit "Parole Board" wherever occurring. Insert instead "Parole Authority".

2.2 Defamation Act 1974 No 18
[1]   Section 17CA Matters arising out of proceedings of State Parole
      Authority, Serious Offenders Review Council and Serious Offenders
      Management Committee
      Omit "Parole Board" wherever occurring.
      Insert instead "State Parole Authority".
[2]   Section 17CA (b)
      Omit "that Board". Insert instead "that Authority".

2.3 Drug Court Act 1998 No 150
      Section 18D Restriction on power of Drug Court to make compulsory
      drug treatment orders (as inserted by Schedule 1 [6] to the Compulsory
      Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Act 2004)
      Omit "Parole Board" from section 18D (2) (b).
      Insert instead "State Parole Authority".

2.4 Fines Act 1996 No 99
      Section 89 Periodic detention
      Omit "Parole Board" from section 89 (10).
      Insert instead "State Parole Authority".




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Amendment of other Acts and instruments                                  Schedule 2




2.5 Freedom of Information Regulation 2000
      Schedule 3 Public authorities
      Omit the matter relating to the Parole Board from Part 3.
      Insert in Part 3 in alphabetical order of public authorities:

         State Parole Authority              Department of Corrective Services

2.6 Parole Orders (Transfer) Act 1983 No 190
      Section 8 Registration
      Omit "Parole Board" from section 8 (2) (a).
      Insert instead "State Parole Authority".

2.7 Supreme Court Act 1970 No 52
      Section 48 Assignment to the Court of Appeal
      Insert "but not including the State Parole Authority," after "designated
      person," in section 48 (1) (a) (vii).




                                                                             Page 29


 


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