Inaugural Parole Administration Review Commissioner appointed

The State Government has appointed retired Supreme Court Judge The Honourable David Bleby QC as South Australia’s first Parole Administration Review Commissioner.

Police and Correctional Services Minister Peter Malinauskas said Mr Bleby’s appointment follows the passing of legislation last year to establish a new system to contest Parole Board recommendations to release prisoners sentenced to life in jail.

“Under the State Government’s changes, the final decision to release a life-sentenced prisoner no longer rests with the Governor in Executive Council,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“Instead, the Attorney-General, Police Commissioner and Victims’ Rights Commissioner are now given the right to oppose the Parole Board’s decision to release a life-sentenced prisoner.

“If a decision for release is opposed, the matter will be sent before Mr Bleby, as the Parole Administrative Review Commissioner, to make the final decision.

Read the complete press release here