‘Community concerns’ prompt backflip on ex-minister, paedophile’s parole day release

Former Labor minister and convicted paedophile Milton Orkopoulos will remain behind bars after a bid to put him on day release was overturned by the state prison chief.

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A former state Labor cabinet minister and convicted paedophile will stay in jail full-time after a move to put him on day release was overturned by the NSW prison chief.

Disgraced ex Aboriginal Affairs minister Milton Orkopoulos has spent the past decade in prison for supplying teenage boys with drugs and sexually abusing them.

He became eligible for parole last year after serving nine years and three months, but has had several bids for parole knocked back.

Former NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister Milton Orkopoulos was found guilty of child sex and drug offences in 2008. Picture: Dean Lewins

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Huge uproar was sparked on Thursday when it was confirmed the 61-year-old’s bid for ­freedom from prison on day release was granted on a recommendation from the Serious Offenders Review Council.

But Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin has now intervened to reverse the decision.

“Following community concerns, the Commissioner has suspended day leave for this offender, pending review,” a Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman said.

Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin intervened to reverse the day release decision.

“The Commissioner has the discretion to make determinations about offenders’ classifications at any time.

“The offender has completed the relevant sex offender ­program.”

Orkopoulos, who introduced a 15-year-old to ­heroin and gave him cannabis in ­exchange for sex, was originally sentenced to a maximum of 13 years and eight months, ­meaning his sentence will expire in October 2021.