Rules for parole orders
Part of the Sentences for adult offenders topic
Understand the rules prisoners must follow if they have been given a parole order in Queensland.
In short
Parole allows prisoners to serve part, or if ordered by court, all of their sentence in the community.
While on parole, they must follow strict rules. Breaking these rules can result in changes to the parole order, suspension or cancellation, which may mean they are returned to prison.
You must
If you have been given a parole order you must:
- Follow all rules of your parole order including:
- following instructions
- not committing any offences
- reporting to a Community Corrections office
- providing test samples.
- Tell your Community Corrections officer within 48 hours if you change your address or job.
- Stay in contact with your Community Corrections officer.
- Attend any required courses, programs, meetings or counselling.
- Stay in Queensland unless you have permission to leave.
You cannot
If you have been given a parole order you cannot:
- Apply for parole if:
- there are more than 180 days before your parole eligibility date
- the date set by Parole Board Queensland to apply again has not been reached
- you have lodged an appeal against your conviction or sentence.
- Receive parole before your eligibility date unless granted an exceptional circumstances parole order.
- Break any rules of your order.
- Commit an offence.
- Fail to report changes in your circumstances.
Exceptions and special circumstances
Prisoners can apply for exceptional circumstances parole at any time. They may be granted on compassionate grounds, such as serious illness.
If granted, this allows release before the parole eligibility date.