Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC)

The SORC is an independent statutory authority which advises on prison security classification, placement, and case management of inmates classed as serious offenders. 

The Authority cannot consider a serious offender for parole without first a report from SORC outlining its advice.

The SORC provides the Authority a comprehensive report detailing the history of the inmate including conduct in custody, classification, participation and completion of programs and its final recommendation as to whether release to parole is appropriate.

Section 135(5) of the Act states, except in exceptional circumstances, the Authority must not make a parole order for a serious offender unless the SORC advises it is appropriate for the offender to be released to parole.

As with all decisions by the Authority must record its reasons for decision concerning serious offenders.

The Authority first holds a closed meeting to consider the advice of the SORC and then forms an intention before setting a date for a pubic review hearing.

Intentions to grant parole are formed to allow legislative requirements for the Authority to hold a public review hearing for:

• the State of NSW to make a submission at a public review hearing
• Registered Victims to make a written or verbal submission at a public review hearing

Victims and/or their families have the right to make confidential submissions but can also attend hearings to address the Authority in person. 

Review hearing are usually scheduled within 4-6 weeks of the Authority makin an  intention to grant parole.