Commonwealth Parole Board sessional members

About the Commonwealth Parole Board

The Australian Government has introduced legislation to parliament to establish a Commonwealth Parole Board (the board). The legislation has passed the House of Representatives and is being considered by the Senate. If the legislation is passed by parliament, the board will be independent from government and will decide whether federal offenders are released into the community on parole, and the conditions under which they are released.

The government is seeking experts from a range of professions and experience, including those with backgrounds in law, community safety, victims of crime advocacy and other relevant fields, to sit on the board as sessional members.

The board will begin operating in the second half of 2026, subject to the passage of the legislation.

The board is expected to have:

  • one full-time chair
  • one full-time deputy chair
  • a range of sessional members.

This application process is for sessional member positions.

The board will make decisions about federal offenders under Part IB of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), including:

  • the granting of parole, and the conditions on which parole is granted
  • the granting of early release on licence, and the conditions on which a licence is granted
  • dealing with breaches of parole and licence conditions
  • dealing with applications from parolees seeking permission to travel overseas
  • granting or revoking a release order for forensic detainees (people who are unfit to be tried for a federal offence or who are acquitted because of mental illness).

The board will be established as a secondary statutory structure within the Attorney-General’s portfolio. The board will be supported by a dedicated team of staff with policy, legal and other relevant expertise from the Attorney-General’s Department (the department).

Applicants should be aware that the board will engage with potentially confronting material. Ideal candidates will demonstrate resilience, sound emotional intelligence and a high degree of self‑awareness and self-care. The department will establish measures to proactively support the wellbeing of board members.

Applicants should be aware that there may be changes to the functions, duties and powers of the roles described in this document once parliament has considered the legislation to establish the board.

Eligibility

Applicants for sessional member positions must have, or be able to obtain, at least a Baseline security clearance. In addition, some board members may need to hold a Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance.

To be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, you must be an Australian citizen and have a checkable background. For more information on security clearance processes, visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website.

Selection criteria

Qualification for appointment

The legislation will require board members to have appropriate qualifications, experience or knowledge to perform the role. This may include, but is not limited to, qualifications or experience in, or knowledge of:

  • law
  • law enforcement
  • matters relating to victims of crime
  • corrections, including community corrections
  • medicine, including psychiatry and health in forensic settings
  • psychology, social work or counselling, including in forensic settings
  • criminology, sociology and other relevant fields.

The Attorney-General will ensure that the board’s membership, taken as a whole, reflects as closely as possible, the composition of the Australian community at large.

Selection criteria

As well as your qualifications, knowledge and experience in the above fields, a recruitment panel will assess you against the following criteria:

  • High level of judgement
    • undertakes complex reasoning and decision making
    • identifies, analyses and manages risk, including risk to community safety
    • responsive to diverse needs and experiences
  • Achieves results
    • achieves results within the context of the enabling legislation and organisational policy
    • builds organisational capability and responsiveness
    • steers and implements change and deals with uncertainty
  • Shapes strategic thinking
    • harnesses information and opportunities
    • marshals professional expertise and lived experience
  • Works with others to meet objectives
    • operates collaboratively with others to meet organisational objectives
    • cultivates productive relationships
    • listens to people and values different perspectives
  • Demonstrates a high standard of professional and personal integrity and capacity to promote these in an organisation

Terms and conditions

The Governor-General will appoint sessional members for terms of up to 5 years. There may be provision for reappointment.

Sessional members may work from Canberra or remotely from other locations across Australia. Occasional travel will be required.

Workloads and work patterns will be determined through engagement between members and relevant board leadership. Sessional members are expected to be available at least one to 4 full days per month.

The Remuneration Tribunal will set remuneration and allowances for these positions.

The Remuneration Tribunal is expected to make a determination in early 2026, if the legislation passes parliament. Find current Remuneration Tribunal determinations for similar positions.

How to apply

Apply online by 11:30 pm AEDT on Sunday, 18 January 2026. Your application must include:

  • a statement of no more than 700 words, outlining your claims against the selection criteria
  • a curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than 3 pages outlining your qualifications, experience and expertise
  • the names and contact details of at least 2 referees who have recent, direct and relevant experience of your work.

Interviews will be held in the first quarter of 2026 to allow the panel to thoroughly review and assess all applications.

It is essential that you respond to the selection criteria. The assessment panel will rely on the information you provide in this response to determine whether to invite you to interview. Your CV gives evidence of relevant work experience that supports claimed expertise. It is not a substitute for responses to the selection criteria.

Candidates assessed as suitable will need to complete a private interests declaration prior to final consideration. The department may also review social media and other public commentary as part of the appointments process.

Contact

For general enquiries about the position or the application process, email agd@beaumontandbeaumont.com.au or call 02 6126 4500.

The department is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive work environment to enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. The department encourages you to request the adjustments you need to help you participate in this recruitment process.

Assessment process

An assessment panel will first assess candidates on their written applications. The panel will further assess shortlisted candidates at interview.

The panel will provide the Attorney-General with a shortlist of suitable candidates to consider and recommend to the Governor-General for appointment. Proposed candidates will be submitted to Cabinet, then to the Executive Council for consideration.

Suitable candidates may be placed in a merit pool and appointments will be made by the Governor‑General, on the advice of government, in accordance with needs. The merit pool will last for 18 months from completion of the assessment process for appointments arising in that period.

Communication

The department will send all advice and communication to applicants by email. Please ensure the email address you provide is correct.

Related links

Statutory appointments