Judge James Wood to retire from NSW Parole Board
One of the state’s most highly esteemed Supreme Court justices is set to announce his retirement from the NSW Parole Board after an illustrious career.
One of NSW’s most admired Supreme Court Justices – who was responsible for exposing endemic corruption in the police force – has retired from public life.
Judge James Wood AO KC ran the Royal Commission into the NSW Police Service Reports and Police Integrity Commission – also known as the Wood Royal Commission – between 1995 and 1997, which looked into systemic corruption within NSW Police.
He oversaw the public hearings where it was revealed that police officers from all over the state, but particularly Kings Cross, were bribed with cash and free sex to allow drugs and crime, including murders, to run rampant throughout the city.
Findings during the inquiry led to the resignation of then-police commissioner Tony Lauer.
Judge Wood’s recommendations are considered to be the turning point in stamping out deep rooted corruption in the state’s police force.
It forced the then Bob Carr-led Labor government to import a Brit, Peter Ryan, as Police Commissioner because it was feared no-one in the NSW force could be trusted – or was untainted by the stench of corruption.
The commission’s first report delivered a conclusion that “a state of systemic or entrenched corruption had provisionally been shown to exist” within the NSW Police Force.
Subsequent findings included instances of “graphically described” alcohol abuse within the force – seen as some as part of their “introduction into the brotherhood” of policing – as well as practices of “blooding” new recruits.
“There was abundant evidence of the ready availability of various forms of gratuities ranging from small amounts of money to free liquor, meals and sexual services on both a casual and regular basis,” Judge Wood’s report stated.
“(This occurred) particularly among those police whose duties took them to the clubs and premises where they might have been expected to enforce vice, gaming, licensing and drug laws.”
The inquiry also led to the NSW Government decriminalising sex work following findings of widespread police corruption within the sex industry.
Justice Wood was first appointed to the State Parole Authority in 2013 as its chair after stepping down from the Supreme Court.
He was the chair for six years before resigning in 2020 to accept a leading role at the World Anti-Doping Agency, and then returned to the SPA in February 2022.
After a distinguished career on the bench, the State Parole Authority announced on Wednesday that Justice Wood, and his fellow judge on the Authority, David Freeman, would both retire on December 18 this year.
“Justice Wood and Judge Freeman have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the
principles of justice and community safety,” Authority Chair, the Honourable Geoffrey Bellew SC said today.
“Their experience, wisdom and integrity have been invaluable to the Authority’s work in
making fair and balanced decisions that protect the people of NSW.
“On behalf of the Authority, I extend our deepest gratitude for their years of service and
dedication.
“Their legacy will continue to shape the SPA’s work for years to come.”
Both judicial officers leave behind a record of excellence and professionalism that has
strengthened the parole system and enhanced public confidence in its processes.
Originally published as Judge James Wood to retire from NSW Parole Board
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