Commonwealth Parole Board
The Australian Government is establishing an independent Commonwealth Parole Board (the board).
On 8 October 2025 the Attorney-General, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, introduced legislation to establish the board and amend Part IB of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
Subject to the passage of legislation, the board will replace the Attorney-General as the decision‑maker for the management and release of federal offenders into the community on parole and licence, including the conditions under which they are released.
The board will bring together experts from a range of professions and experience to make these critical decisions. This includes:
- legal professionals
- law enforcement
- corrective services staff
- victims of crime advocates
- psychologists
- other community safety experts.
Community safety will be the board’s highest priority and this important reform will ensure parole decisions are made by experts who are best placed to assess risk when considering whether to grant parole.
The board is anticipated to commence operations in the second half of 2026, subject to the passage of legislation.
Legislation
Two Bills have been introduced to the Parliament to establish the Commonwealth Parole Board.
The Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025 will establish the Commonwealth Parole Board as a secondary statutory structure in the Attorney-General’s portfolio. It will provide for the Commonwealth Parole Board’s membership, functions, and decision-making arrangements for the release and management of federal offenders and other detainees.
The Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025 will amend the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). It will replace the Attorney-General with the Commonwealth Parole Board as the decision‑maker for the release of federal offenders. It will also make changes to the statutory timeframes for parole decision-making.