Re-applying for Parole Consideration
Once a prisoner has been reviewed by the Board and has subsequently been denied release to parole or has had their parole suspended or cancelled, the prisoner can re-apply for parole consideration at any time thereafter.
Who can request to re-apply for parole consideration?
A re-application for parole consideration must be requested by the prisoner. A parent, friend or family member cannot make this request on their behalf. An authorised guardian can however make a request on a prisoner’s behalf. An authorised guardian (e.g. a Court appointed Guardian; a lawyer) must ensure to submit an Authority to Act form signed by the prisoner along with the re-application request. Also, the Chairperson of the Board will also determine the merit of the Authority to Act form and whether it is appropriate to act upon the request.
Please note, if the prisoner has literacy limitations, a re-application request can be authored by a fellow prisoner, prison officer or otherwise, so long as this is noted within the application and it is signed by the prisoner.
Requesting to re-apply for parole consideration
A prisoner may re-apply for parole consideration as many times as they like. However, a re-application will only be ‘granted’ and the prisoner’s matter re-listed back before the Board if their re-application request:
- demonstrates that an adequate change in the prisoner’s circumstances has occurred since the Board’s last decision (for example, if the prisoner had outstanding treatment needs at the time of the Board’s previous decision and they have since completed a relevant treatment programme, this constitutes an adequate change in circumstance);
- has provided evidence of any claims of these changes; and
- addresses the Board’s reasons for previous parole denial, suspension or cancellation. Reasons for denying, suspending or cancelling parole are outlined in the decision letter sent to the prisoner. Each of these reasons should be addressed separately within a submission.
The presentation of the same information/release plan that was previously considered by the Board does not constitute new information to consider as a re-application request.
Prisoners who are considering re-applying for parole consideration, should talk with their Case Management Co-ordinator, Unit Supervisor or Community Corrections Officer who will be able to assist with a re-application.
Last updated: 8 April 2025