The decision to release a prisoner on parole is made by the Prisoners Review Board (PRB), who carefully evaluate whether releasing the prisoner poses an undue risk to the safety of the community.
Eligibility for parole
Not all prisoners are eligible for parole.
When a judge or magistrate sentences a person, they will determine whether the prisoner can be considered for parole under the Sentencing Act 1995.
For sentences of four years or less, prisoners typically serve half of their sentence before being eligible for parole.
For sentences over four years, a prisoner may become eligible for parole when they have two years or less remaining on their total sentence.
The parole process
Before a decision about parole is made, prisoners must present a detailed parole plan, including where they will live, how they will find employment (if applicable), and the support they have in the community. This plan is assessed alongside reports from several sources, including prison officers, community corrections officers, and any treatment programs the prisoner has completed.
The safety of the community is the most important factor when deciding whether someone is granted parole.
Victims of crime are also able to participate in this process. They are encouraged to submit their views about how the release of a prisoner might affect them or suggest relevant conditions which should be imposed on the parole order.
Parole conditions
If parole is granted, the prisoner must follow specific conditions, which may include avoiding drugs and alcohol, attending counselling or treatment programs, meeting with a community corrections officer, and staying away from certain people or places.
These conditions are designed to help the prisoner reintegrate into society while minimising the risk to community safety.
If a prisoner breaches any of their parole conditions, they can be arrested and returned to prison.
Victim Participation
Show moreWhen making a decision about releasing an offender, the PRB appreciate hearing from victims where appropriate.
If a victim feels comfortable, they can communicate directly with the PRB via a victim submission. Any submission provided by a victim must be considered by the PRB in their decision-making process.
These submissions can highlight:
- How the offence has impacted them
- How the prisoner’s release will impact them
- Suggestions for relevant parole conditions to ensure their safety and peace of mind.
Submissions can be typed or handwritten and can be posted or emailed to the PRB.
To make this process easier, victims can make use of this submission template. However, if you find the template is not useful or does not allow room for you to explain how the offence has impacted you, you are welcome to format your written submission another way (e.g., an email, letter or Word document).
Victim submissions are treated with the strictest confidentiality and will never be shown to the prisoner or any person acting for, or representing, the prison.
Victim Engagement Unit
Show moreIf your matter has been referred to the Victim Engagement Unit (VEU), a Victim Engagement Officer will contact you to discuss the offender’s parole review and any conditions they can recommend to help ensure your safety and wellbeing.
During your contact with the VEU, you are welcome to discuss making a victim submission. Trained staff can assist you to understand what to include and what sorts of conditions the PRB may be able to implement on your behalf.
Victim Notification
Show moreWhile it is not the role of the PRB to notify victims of a parole decision, victims can receive this information from the Victim Notification Register (VNR) if they choose to register with this service.
Information from the VNR is not automatically received by victims. Some victims do not want to receive updates about an offender. Therefore, if a victim does want to receive updates, they can elect to register with the VNR.
Post Sentence Supervision Orders
Show moreA Post Sentence Supervision Order (PSSO) is an order made by the PRB that imposes community supervision requirements on certain offenders. These orders must be in place for a period not less than six months and not more than 2 years.
A PSSO does not extend a prisoner’s original sentence, and its only purpose is to provide community protection by allowing the Department of Justice to supervise the prisoner following the completion of their sentence.
Only offenders who have committed ‘serious offences’ are eligible for a PSSO. A serious offence is defined as being:
- an offence specified in Schedule 1 of the High Risk Serious Offenders Act 2020 or;
- an offence declared by a court under section 97A(3) of the Sentencing Act 1995 (WA) to be a violent offence.
Find more information about PSSOs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Show more1. What is parole?
Parole is the early release of an offender from prison, under supervision, before the end of their full sentence. While on parole, offenders must follow conditions to ensure they don’t reoffend or endanger the community.
2. How is a prisoner considered for parole?
The Prisoners Review Board (PRB) reviews the cases of prisoners eligible for parole. The Board looks at reports from several sources, as well as the prisoner’s parole plan. The safety of the community is their primary concern.
3. Can victims participate in the parole process?
Yes, victims can provide written submissions to the PRB. These submissions should explain how the offender's release could affect the victim. Victims may also be contacted by the Victim Engagement Unit to discuss any concerns the victim has about future contact with the offender.
4. I submitted a Victim Impact Statement to the court. Will this be considered?
Yes, Victim Impact Statements are automatically provided to the PRB for inclusion on the files of relevant prisoners. If you are unsure if a copy has been provided, you can contact the PRB for confirmation.
It is important to remember that a Victim Impact Statement provided to the court focuses on the impact of the crime at the time the offender is sentenced. If you would like the PRB to be aware of your current situation, you are encouraged to make a parole submission, which will supplement the original information.
5. How will I know if an offender is being considered for parole?
Victims can choose to register with the Victim Notification Register to be informed about parole hearings, the release of offenders, or if the offender is returned to custody.
6. What happens if a prisoner breaches parole?
If a prisoner does not comply with the conditions of their parole, they may receive a written warning, have their parole suspended, or have it cancelled. In serious cases, the prisoner may be returned to prison.
7. Can a victim influence the conditions of parole?
Victims are able to suggest conditions that are relevant to their safety and wellbeing through the submission process. These conditions might include:
- Prohibiting or restricting contact with the victim; or
- Excluding the offender from areas where a victim lives of works, if this information is already known to the offender.
If your matter has been referred to the Victim Engagement Unit, they will discuss protective conditions further with you.
8. What if parole is denied?
If parole is denied, the prisoner can ask for a review, but they must have valid grounds such as incorrect information being used in the decision.
Prisoners can also reapply for parole if they provide new information, like completing a treatment program.
9. Can I make a complaint?
Members of the public who wish to make a complain concerning the PRB can forward their concerns in writing or via email.
Further Information
Show moreFor more information about the parole process and the Prisoners Review Board, visit the Prisoners Review Board of Western Australia.
Additional Resources
For general inquiries relating to a victim’s experience with the criminal justice process, you can also contact the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime on:
Phone: 1800 214 655
Email: victims@justice.wa.gov.au
