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Commonwealth Parole Board

Current status

This bill became law on Apr 8th, 2026.

Policy area

Law, justice & rights

What does this bill do?

Australia gets an independent Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. to decide when federal offenders and some detained people can be released under conditions.

Why was it introduced?

Federal paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions were still handled without an independent Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., leaving release decisions for federal offenders outside a dedicated expert body. The bill creates that BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. to assess risk, decide conditional releaseRelease from custody with conditions attached, such as supervision, reporting, treatment or restrictions on movement., interview offenders, gather information and protect sensitive paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. information.

Broader context

Before the bill, federal paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. and conditional releaseRelease from custody with conditions attached, such as supervision, reporting, treatment or restrictions on movement. sat within Part IB of the Crimes Act 1914The part of the main Commonwealth crimes law that sets out federal parole, release and related arrangements for offenders and some detainees. without a standalone Commonwealth boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., while government material argued that release decisions should be made by experts able to assess community risk, suitability for paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. and strict supervision. Hon Michelle Rowland MP introduced the bill to create that independent boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., Parliament passed it after Senate amendments, and Royal AssentThe formal approval by the Governor-General that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act. set up the Act for intended commencement in 2026.

Key criticism

Critics argued the bill could make paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions less democratically accountable by moving them from the elected Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. to an unelected boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., with risks that unsafe releases would be harder to answer for. Coalition speakers opposed the bill on that basis, while some objections also focused on victims not having guaranteed rights to be heard or informed and on the cost of a new bureaucracy.

Who supported it?

Hon Michelle Rowland MP introduced this bill. In the recorded House second-reading vote, support came from Labor, Greens, some crossbench members; opposition came from Liberal, Nationals, Centre Alliance, Liberal Party.

Introduced in House 08 Oct 2025
Passed House 26 Nov 2025
Passed Senate 01 Apr 2026
Became law 08 Apr 2026

Did it become law?

Yes

Became law 08 Apr 2026

Final passage

No counted final vote

3 recorded votes on the bill were found earlier in passage, but the final chamber agreement was not a counted division.

Passage speed

182 days

From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step

Official record

View on APH

Parliament of Australia bill page

Meaning

What does this bill do?

  1. Australia gets an independent Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. to decide when federal offenders and some detained people can be released under conditions.

  2. Federal paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions move to experts who assess community risk before an offender is released on paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community..

  3. The Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. must have a full-time Chair and Deputy Chair, at least three sessional members, and at least one legally qualified leader.

  4. The Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. can run offender interviews, seek or require information, and share paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. information with relevant people while protecting sensitive paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. information.

  5. A sessional memberA part-time board member who sits when needed, rather than holding a full-time position like the Chair or Deputy Chair. can step in as Chair or Deputy Chair for Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. participation in specified circumstances.

Show source excerpts
  1. The main function of the Commonwealth Parole Board is to make independent, risk‑informed decisions about the conditional release and management of federal offenders and other detained persons in accordance with Part IB of the Crimes Act 1914.
    Commonwealth Parole Board as-passed bill text
  2. Determining in what circumstances a federal offender should be released into the community on parole is a critical decision. The Bills would ensure that these decisions are made by experts who have the qualifications, experience and knowledge to assess the risk posed to the community and whether an offender is suitable for release into the community on parole.
    Commonwealth Parole Board explanatory memorandum
  3. (c) at least 3 other members (sessional members).
    Commonwealth Parole Board as-passed bill text
  4. 23 Commonwealth Parole Board may conduct interviews
    Commonwealth Parole Board as-passed bill text
  5. 24 Sessional member may participate as Chair or Deputy Chair of the Commonwealth Parole Board in specified circumstances
    Commonwealth Parole Board as-passed bill text

Context

Broader context for this bill

Before the bill, federal paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. and conditional releaseRelease from custody with conditions attached, such as supervision, reporting, treatment or restrictions on movement. sat within Part IB of the Crimes Act 1914The part of the main Commonwealth crimes law that sets out federal parole, release and related arrangements for offenders and some detainees. without a standalone Commonwealth boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., while government material argued that release decisions should be made by experts able to assess community risk, suitability for paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. and strict supervision. Hon Michelle Rowland MP introduced the bill to create that independent boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., Parliament passed it after Senate amendments, and Royal AssentThe formal approval by the Governor-General that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act. set up the Act for intended commencement in 2026.

  1. Before 8 Oct 2025

    Federal paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. sits under the Crimes ActA key Commonwealth criminal law that currently contains the federal parole and conditional release rules being changed by this reform. without a Commonwealth boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions.

    Government explanatory material said federal offenderA person convicted of an offence against Commonwealth law, rather than a state or territory offence. release was handled through Part IB of the Crimes Act 1914The part of the main Commonwealth crimes law that sets out federal parole, release and related arrangements for offenders and some detainees. and that decisions about paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. needed expert, risk-informed assessment to protect community safety.

    Commonwealth Parole Board explanatory memorandum ↗
  2. 08 Oct 2025

    Hon Michelle Rowland MP introduces the bill

    The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives, with reporting that the proposal would move paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions for convicted federal offenders out of government hands and to an independent boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. intended to operate in the second half of 2026.

    Australian Financial Review ↗
  3. 2025-26

    Government funds a new Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions.

    The explanatory memorandum said the Australian Government committed $28.3 million over four years from 2025-26 and $7.3 million a year ongoing to establish and operate the boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions..

    Commonwealth Parole Board explanatory memorandum ↗
  4. 26 Nov 2025

    House passes the bill

    The House agreed to the bill at third reading, completing its passage through the originating chamber.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  5. 01 Apr 2026

    Parliament passes the bill

    Both houses passed the bill in the same form after the House agreed to Senate amendments.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  6. 08 Apr 2026

    Royal AssentThe formal approval by the Governor-General that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act. creates the Act

    The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe formal approval by the Governor-General that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act., turning the bill into an Act ready for commencement by proclamationA law starts on a date formally announced by government, instead of starting immediately when it receives Royal Assent. as intended in 2026.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗

Legislative route

How did it move through Parliament?

House Senate
Introduced 08 Oct 2025

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 08 Oct 2025

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Human Rights review 29 Oct 2025

Considered by scrutiny committee (29/10/2025): Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights; Report 6 of 2025

Report 6 of 2025

APH bill page notes
Legal and Constitutional Affairs review 30 Oct 2025

Referred to Committee (30/10/2025): Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (19/11/2025)

Report tabled 19 Nov 2025

APH bill page notes
Second reading debate 25 Nov 2025

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Sent to Federation Chamber for debate 25 Nov 2025

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Referred to Federation Chamber

Federation Chamber debate 25 Nov 2025

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate

Returned from Federation Chamber 26 Nov 2025

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Reported from Federation Chamber

House second reading agreed Aye 101 No 40 26 Nov 2025

Recorded vote: 101 to 40.

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

House third reading agreed 26 Nov 2025

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber. Later message exchanges with the other chamber were still recorded afterwards.

Third reading agreed to

Introduced 27 Nov 2025

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 27 Nov 2025

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 02 Mar 2026

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 04 Mar 2026

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 05 Mar 2026

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate second reading agreed Aye 38 No 20 01 Apr 2026

Recorded vote: 38 to 20.

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

Senate agreed to amendment packages 01 Apr 2026

The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.

Third reading agreed to :

House agreed to Senate amendments on rule-making limits 01 Apr 2026

The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form. The main amendments were: Observed removed text: "43 Delegation by Secretary The Secretary of the Department may, in writing, delegate the Secretary’s functions or power…".

Consideration of Senate message

Passed both houses 01 Apr 2026

Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.

Finally passed both Houses

Assent 08 Apr 2026

The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe formal approval by the Governor-General that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act., turning the bill into an Act.

Key criticism

The main case against this bill

Critics argued the bill could make paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions less democratically accountable by moving them from the elected Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. to an unelected boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., with risks that unsafe releases would be harder to answer for. Coalition speakers opposed the bill on that basis, while some objections also focused on victims not having guaranteed rights to be heard or informed and on the cost of a new bureaucracy.

The criticism was substantial but mainly came from Coalition speakers; Greens support continued after an independence amendment.

Less ministerial accountability for parole decisions

Opponents said paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions for serious federal offenders should remain with the Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. because ministers can be questioned and held responsible in parliament, while an independent boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. would be harder for the public to hold to account if a release went wrong.

Raised by Michael McCormack, Andrew Wallace, Michaelia Cash, Jessica Collins, Leah Blyth and other Coalition speakers Source ↗

Public safety and victims’ rights concerns

Several Coalition senators argued the bill put community safety and victims second, saying victims were not given a clear statutory right to be told about paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions or to have their views heard before release decisions were made.

Raised by Michaelia Cash, Jessica Collins, Paul Scarr and Slade Brockman Source ↗

Extra bureaucracy and cost

Coalition speakers described the new paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. as an expensive layer of bureaucracy, arguing it would shift blame away from government rather than clearly improve the quality or safety of paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions.

Raised by Michaelia Cash, Andrew Wallace and Leah Blyth Source ↗

Procedural safeguards were contested

Defeated amendments sought mandatory offender interviews, procedural fairnessA decision-making safeguard that generally means affected people should have a fair chance to know and respond to important material before a decision is made. obligations and access to legal representation, indicating concern that the bill’s decision-making process did not spell out enough enforceable safeguards for people affected by paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions.

Raised by Independent Amendment Moved In The Senate Source ↗

Further sources

parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ openaustralia.org.au ↗

Votes

Recorded votes

How the bill itself passed

The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.

Passed

House passed the bill

House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

26 Nov 2025

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Passed

Senate passed the bill

Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

01 Apr 2026

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Carried

Senate cleared second reading

Aye 38 No 20

Passed 38 to 20. Support came from Labor, Greens, One Nation, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

01 Apr 2026

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 22 / 0
Liberal 0 / 16
Greens 10 / 0
One Nation 3 / 0
Nationals 0 / 3
Independent 2 / 0
Unknown 1 / 1

Did not vote: Liberal Party

Defeated

Strengthen parole board independence

Aye 22 No 35

Defeated 22 to 35. Support came from Liberal, One Nation, and Nationals. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

01 Apr 2026

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 22
Liberal 16 / 0
Greens 0 / 10
One Nation 3 / 0
Independent 0 / 2
Nationals 2 / 0
Unknown 1 / 1

Did not vote: Liberal Party

Carried

House cleared second reading

Aye 101 No 40

Passed 101 to 40. Support came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal, Nationals, Centre Alliance, and Liberal Party.

26 Nov 2025

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 88 / 0
Liberal 0 / 23
Nationals 0 / 15
Independent 9 / 0
Unknown 3 / 0
Greens 1 / 0
Centre Alliance 0 / 1
Liberal Party 0 / 1

Did not vote: Nationals, LNP

Amendments at a glance

Amendments grouped by chamber. These cards include amendment outcomes recorded without a counted division.

House

Carried

Accept Senate parole board changes

Aye 93 No 33

Passed 93 to 33. Support came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal, Nationals, Centre Alliance, and LNP.

01 Apr 2026

This was the final House vote needed to accept the Senate's changes and clear the bill for passage through Parliament.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 82 / 0
Liberal 0 / 17
Nationals 0 / 14
Independent 7 / 0
Unknown 3 / 0
Greens 1 / 0
Centre Alliance 0 / 1
LNP 0 / 1

Did not vote: Liberal Party, Nationals

Senate

Carried

Let sessional members chair meetings

Aye 38 No 21

Passed 38 to 21. Support came from Labor, Greens, One Nation, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal, Nationals, Liberal Party, and UAP.

01 Apr 2026

This carried one of the Senate's successful government changes to the bill's governance arrangements, and it became part of the version later accepted by the House.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 23 / 0
Liberal 0 / 16
Greens 10 / 0
One Nation 3 / 0
Nationals 0 / 3
Independent 2 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 1
UAP 0 / 1
Defeated

Let minister remove board members

Aye 25 No 34

Defeated 25 to 34. Support came from Liberal, One Nation, Nationals, and Liberal Party. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents.

01 Apr 2026

Rejecting this proposal left the bill's original termination rules in place rather than giving the minister a broader route to remove boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. members.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 22
Liberal 17 / 0
Greens 0 / 10
One Nation 3 / 0
Nationals 3 / 0
Independent 0 / 2
Liberal Party 1 / 0
UAP 1 / 0
Defeated

Mandate offender interviews and procedural fairnessA decision-making safeguard that generally means affected people should have a fair chance to know and respond to important material before a decision is made.

This proposed change would have required the Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. to conduct mandatory offender interviews, adhere to procedural fairnessA decision-making safeguard that generally means affected people should have a fair chance to know and respond to important material before a decision is made., and allow for legal representation.

Defeated on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

Defeated

Require legal qualifications for paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. leadership

This proposed change would have required both the Chair and the Deputy Chair of the Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. to be legal practitioners with at least five years of experience.

Defeated on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

Defeated

Modify paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. oversight, rights, and member tenure

These changes were intended to require offender interviews, guarantee procedural fairnessA decision-making safeguard that generally means affected people should have a fair chance to know and respond to important material before a decision is made. and legal representation, and allow the Governor-General to terminate boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. member appointments at any time.

Defeated on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.

Parliamentary debate

Who spoke, and what they said

Start here — lead voices

Sponsor speech Supports

Michelle Rowland

Australian Labor Party • MP 08 Oct 2025

Michelle Rowland supports the bill, saying it will move federal paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions from the Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. to an independent expert boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. to improve integrity, transparency and community safety.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead opposing voice Opposes

Paul Scarr

Liberal Party • Senator 04 Mar 2026

Paul Scarr opposes the bill, arguing it takes paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions away from an accountable Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. and sets up an overly powerful boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. chair without proper transparency or enforceable rights for victims.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead supporting voice Supports

David Shoebridge

Australian Greens • Senator 04 Mar 2026

David Shoebridge says the Greens will support the bill because paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions should be made by an independent expert boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. rather than politicians or departmental bureaucrats.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead voice Supports

Shayne Neumann

Australian Labor Party • MP 25 Nov 2025

Shayne Neumann supports the bill, saying it should pass because paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions for federal offenders should be made by an independent expert boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. rather than politicians.

Read in Hansard ↗

All speeches by bloc

Labor

5 speakers · 6 contributions · 5 support

  1. Shayne Neumann ★ Shayne Neumann supports the bill, saying it should pass because paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions for federal offenders should be made by an independent expert boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. rather than politicians.
    “I know how important this is. It is important reform legislation. I think it's one of those things about which the current Attorney-General could say, at the end of her long career, 'I was involved in this process.' It's a good thing. It's a good outcome. I have no qualms and I have no reservations in relation to this. This happens at the state and territory level. It's good practice. It's world's best practice. We should do it. It's long overdue, and I support the bills.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 25 Nov 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Claire Clutterham Claire Clutterham backs the bill, saying it will create an independent Commonwealth parole boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. to make expert, risk-informed paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions for federal offenders with community safety at the centre.
    “I rise today to speak in support of the Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025 and the Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions Bill) 2025. These bills are an important step in ensuring that, for federal offences, there is an independent and effective process for assessing the risk of releasing an offender and an independent and effective process for determining whether to grant, deny or cancel parole—and to set appropriate conditions for parole release. In order to do this, the bills make consequential amendments to part 1B of the Crimes Act of 1914, which is the part of that legislation that deals with sentencing, imprisonment and release of federal offenders.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 25 Nov 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Michelle Rowland ★ 2 contributions Michelle Rowland supports the bill, saying it will move federal paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions from the Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. to an independent expert boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. to improve integrity, transparency and community safety.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Michelle Rowland on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Minister's second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 08 Oct 2025

    Michelle Rowland supports the bill, saying it will move federal paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions from the Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. to an independent expert boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. to improve integrity, transparency and community safety. She argues the reform keeps the existing paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. framework largely intact while making decisions more independent and risk informed.

    “This important criminal justice reform will make the community safer by ensuring that parole decisions are made by independent experts who are best placed to make the robust assessments of risk required to protect the community. I commend the bill to the House.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 25 Nov 2025

    Michelle Rowland supports the bill, saying it will create an independent Commonwealth Parole BoardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. so qualified experts, not ministers, make risk-informed paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions that better protect community safety and support rehabilitation. She argues the new boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. will improve independence, accountability and justice outcomes.

    “The establishment of the Commonwealth Parole Board will promote community safety and justice outcomes, as it will ensure these critical decisions are made by independent experts who are best placed to make the robust assessments of risk required to protect the community. I commend the bill to the House.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  4. Carol Brown Carol Brown supports the bill because she says paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions for federal offenders should be made by an independent expert boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. rather than a minister, which will improve consistency, transparency and community safety without lowering release standards.
    “At its heart, this reform is about responsibility. This includes responsibility to victims, who deserve a system that takes their safety seriously and treats their experiences with respect; responsibility to the community, which expects decisions about release from custody to be made carefully and, I'll say it again, independently and, again, on the basis of evidence; and responsibility to the integrity of our institutions, which depends on power being exercised properly, not politically. This is careful reform. It's overdue reform, and it's the right reform. I commend the bill to the Senate.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 04 Mar 2026

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Jana Stewart Jana Stewart supports the bill and says it will make the federal paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. system safer, fairer and more trusted by shifting decisions from politicians to an independent expert boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions..
    “I rise today to speak in support of the Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025. This bill reflects the Albanese Labor government's unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all Australians. It is about strengthening our justice system and building a stronger, fairer and more effective federal parole system, a system where critical decisions are made with the utmost expertise and objectivity and a clear focus on protecting our communities—a system that Australians can have confidence in.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 04 Mar 2026

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Coalition

7 speakers · 7 oppose

  1. Paul Scarr ★ Paul Scarr opposes the bill, arguing it takes paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions away from an accountable Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. and sets up an overly powerful boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. chair without proper transparency or enforceable rights for victims.
    “Under this system, there is absolutely no obligation upon this new, independent parole board that requires it to hear the perspective of the victim, and that is not good enough. Don't come into this place and tell us you're introducing this fantastic reform that has been mooted for many years—I understand the rationale, and I well understand the argument. Don't come into this place and say this is a fantastic reform that replicates the best of the systems across other states and territories when the fact of the matter is that there's a gaping hole in terms of the voices of the victims of crime. We're better than that in this place.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 04 Mar 2026

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Michael McCormack McCormack says the coalition will oppose the bill because he thinks taking paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions away from the Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. and giving them to an unelected boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. is bad policy and risks unsafe releases.
    “Why we are outsourcing the work of the Attorney-General to a bunch of so-called experts I will never know. And that is why the coalition will be opposing this all the way. Even if I am the only voice speaking against it, I think it's bad policy. I think Labor should go back to the drawing board on this, and I think the Attorney-General should do the job that she was elected to do—'she' at the moment; 'he', maybe, in the future. Who knows? It doesn't matter. We've got a good Attorney-General. She should do her job.”

    National Party • MP • 25 Nov 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Andrew Wallace Andrew Wallace says the coalition will oppose the bill because it takes paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions away from the Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. and hands them to an unelected boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., which he argues weakens accountability, adds bureaucracy and risks community safety.
    “The coalition will oppose these bills because they weaken ministerial accountability, they increase risk to community safety and they create another costly and unnecessary bureaucracy. At present the Attorney-General is the decision-maker for parole in relation to federal offenders. That arrangement has served Australia well. It provides ministerial oversight, democratic accountability and clear responsibility for decisions that have life-and-death consequences for the Australian community. But now Labor wants to change that. This bill seeks to create a new statutory body, the Commonwealth Parole Board, which will take over those responsibilities from the Attorney-General. The government argues this change is necessary to depoliticise parole and to bring the Commonwealth into line with the states and territories, which already have their own independent parole boards.”

    Liberal National Party • MP • 25 Nov 2025

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  4. Leah Blyth Leah Blyth says the Liberal Party will oppose the bill because it shifts paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions from the Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. to an unelected boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., which she argues weakens democratic accountability, adds costly bureaucracy and could undermine community safety.
    “Everything in this bill will weaken the principle of responsible government, and I think this bill seeks to undermine wider community safety here in Australia. For those reasons, we will not be supporting this bill.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 05 Mar 2026

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  5. Michaelia Cash Michaelia Cash says the coalition will oppose the bill because she argues it shifts paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions for serious federal offenders from the Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. to an unelected boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions., reducing ministerial accountabilityThe idea that a minister can be questioned in Parliament and held politically responsible for decisions made under their authority. and putting public safety and victims second.
    “The bill does not make Australians safer; it makes ministers safer from scrutiny. It strips accountability from elected government. It creates a bureaucratic shield. It costs tens of millions of dollars, it sidelines victims and it weakens confidence in the justice system. Australians don't want a government that hides behind boards; they want a government that takes responsibility. The Albanese government has yet again failed that test, and for those reasons and so many more the coalition will oppose the bill.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 02 Mar 2026

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  6. Jessica Collins Jessica Collins opposes the bill and urges the Senate not to pass it, arguing it would shift paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions from an elected Attorney-GeneralThe federal minister who previously made many Commonwealth parole decisions and whose role is central to the accountability debate on this bill. to an unaccountable boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. and would weaken public safety and victims' rights.
    “This bill comes from a government focused on making its job easier, not Australians safer. It comes from a government focused on delegating the hard decisions, not making them. It comes from the most secretive Australian government of the last 50 years, from FOIs to ISIS brides. This government is incapable of being transparent with the Australian people. I am proud to stand with the coalition, which opposes this bill as it is currently drafted. Only a Liberal-led coalition government would protect Australians' way of life. It would ensure victims are heard and consulted in these decisions and accept the responsibility of our actions, unlike this Labor government, which is hiding and ducking from every warranted criticism. I do not commend this bill in its current form to the Senate, and I urge all other senators to do the same.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 04 Mar 2026

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  7. Slade Brockman Brockman opposes the bill, arguing it copies flawed state paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community.-boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. models and fails to protect victims by giving them no proper way to be informed or heard in paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions.
    “Yet, even with that learning and experience, for whatever reason, it was decided that that was not going to be a part of this bill. You have victims of serious crimes—Senator Blyth just outlined the kinds of crimes that are covered under federal law and would be covered under a federal independent parole board of the sort outlined in this bill—who carry the burden of those crimes for the rest of their lives. There are families who carry the burden of those crimes for the rest of their lives. Yet, in formulating this bill, the government has taken no account of the very clear and necessary ability for victims' families to be informed as to timing and likely outcomes or to feed into the process and provide their own view on the matter of parole. That, in and of itself, is enough of an oversight to say, 'Back to the drawing board.' That, in and of itself, is enough to say, 'It's time we actually take this off the table, take this back to the drawing board and start to look at it again.'”

    Liberal Party of Australia • Senator • 05 Mar 2026

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Greens

1 speaker · 1 support

  1. David Shoebridge ★ David Shoebridge says the Greens will support the bill because paroleRelease from prison before the end of a sentence, with rules the person must follow and supervision in the community. decisions should be made by an independent expert boardThe new independent body that will decide whether federal offenders and some detained people can be released into the community under conditions. rather than politicians or departmental bureaucrats.
    “We did have concerns with the initial draft presented to us by the government. We had concerns that clause 24 of the bill allowed the departmental secretary to sit on the board when the chair or the acting chair was unavailable. The Greens firmly believe that a parole board should be genuinely independent from the government of the day, and a departmental secretary who owes their job and their political future to the attorney-general and the government of the day is not independent; they're a part of the executive government. As drafted, that clause significantly undermined the board's independence from the government of the day. I am very grateful for the assistance we've had from the Law Council, their detailed submissions and their detailed engagement with the bill, including on this issue about the independence of the parole board. I am glad that we've been able to reach an agreement with the government for an amendment to clause 24 which will remove the secretary's role and will instead put in place an arrangement where an acting chair can be appointed, to ensure that there's the independence of the parole board.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 04 Mar 2026

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