Parole Board changes could create ‘jobs for boys’: CLP

Changes to the NT’s Parole Board have been debated in parliament this week, with the Opposition fearing it could create more jobs for political insiders.

THE CLP have sounded the alarm over proposed changes to the Parole Board, which would see requirements for the organisation’s chair relaxed.

Currently laws require the current Chief Justice – or a Supreme Court justice nominated to sit in his place – to take a spot on the NT’s Parole Board.

But legislation being debated in the NT parliament on Tuesday would see these requirements watered down to allow anyone eligible to become a Supreme Court Justice.

The changes have created concern, with Shadow Attorney-General Steve Edgington calling for former Chief Justices to be considered.

“The current requirement to be admitted to practice for 10 years, certainly doesn’t meet the standard of a Supreme Court justice,” Mr Edgington said.

“We feel that this watered down legislation opens up the opportunity for jobs for the boys, and it’s simply not good enough.”

Steven Edgington has expressed concerns lower barriers to entry could lead to more jobs for mates. Photograph: Che Chorley

Mr Edgington said the CLP supported moving away from requiring the Chief Justice to sit on the Parole Board, but wanted replacements to fulfil “similar criteria” to a Supreme Court Justice.

“It’s important to realise that nearly every state, around Australia requires that person who chairs the Parole Board to have the experience of a Supreme Court Justice or a magistrate or judge,” he said.

Independent MLA Robyn Lambley said she was cautious about the changes, but said she hoped they would bring about improvements to the parole system.

“They’re trying to water down the qualifications required, in order to be more inclusive, to get more people onto the Parole Board, that in other jurisdictions wouldn’t get a look in,” Ms Lambley said.

Attorney-General Selena Uibo said the changes would require the same as if you were applying to be a Supreme Court Justice. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

“If this brings about positive change, a better run Parole Board … then, we have to be optimistic.”

Attorney-General Selena Uibo said the planned changes for the Parole Board would still maintain “the same requirements needed to be appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court”.

“The Parole Board does an incredible job in ensuring justice is served here in the Territory,” Ms Uibo said.

There are 18 positions on the Parole Board, including the Chief Justice or a nominated Supreme Court replacement, the Corrections Commissioner, two police officers, two psychologists, two people who represent victims of crime and 10 people who “reflect the composition of the Territory”.

Originally published as Parole Board changes could create ‘jobs for boys’: CLP