8. MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney) to the Minister of Justice: What steps is the Government taking to reduce unnecessary parole hearings?

Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Justice) : In keeping with the Government’s post-election action plan and law and order policies, Cabinet has agreed to amend the Parole Act so that prisoners in future will be screened to postpone unnecessary parole hearings. The maximum interval between parole hearings will be increased from 1 year to 2 years for all offenders, and the maximum postponement of parole hearings for offenders serving long sentences will be increased to 5 years. The Parole Board will be able to direct that hearings be brought forward if an offender has engaged in rehabilitative programmes earlier than expected.

Mark Mitchell: What will be the benefits of reducing unnecessary parole hearings?

Hon JUDITH COLLINS: This Government is putting victims at the heart of the justice system. These changes will reduce the stress and anxiety on victims by cutting the number of times they need to attend unnecessary parole hearings. It will enable the Parole Board to better focus its time on those offenders who have a more genuine chance of getting parole, and it will help to incentivise offenders to take responsibility for their offending by completing rehabilitation programmes to help them gain earlier consideration for parole. Savings to Government of $700,000 per annum will also be available.