What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill sets up an independent Commonwealth Parole Board of experts to decide whether federal offenders are released on parole, taking that job from the Attorney-General. The debate focused on who should be accountable for parole decisions, the cost of the board, how members are chosen, and whether victims have a guaranteed say.
Arguments made in support
The Government said parole decisions should be made by experts in law, policing, corrections and victim support, not by politicians.
Labor members said every state and territory, and countries like the UK, Canada and New Zealand, already use independent parole boards.
The Government said federal parole cases are rising in number and complexity, and that legal groups such as the Law Council support the change.
Government members said the rules for parole, including the very high bar for terrorism offenders, would not change.
The Greens supported the bill, saying it would depoliticise parole, and secured a change so the department secretary cannot sit on the board.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Coalition opposed the bill, saying an elected Attorney-General should stay accountable to parliament for releasing serious federal offenders.
Coalition speakers said the board would cost $28.3 million over four years and $7.3 million a year, duplicating work already done.
Coalition senators said the bill gives victims no legal right to be notified or heard, unlike several state laws, and that guidelines need not be published.
Coalition speakers objected to members reflecting the make-up of the community, saying appointments should be on merit and experience.
The Coalition moved amendments to let the Attorney-General object to parole decisions. Senator Thorpe moved amendments requiring interviews, procedural fairness and legal representation, which were defeated.
42 speeches by 21 members in the House and Senate over 8 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 8 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 25 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 2 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 4 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 5 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 1 Apr 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 1 Apr 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.