Granting parole

Closed Meeting 

The first step in the parole process is a closed meeting and once the SPA panel makes a decision at this meeting to grant an inmate parole, they then sets a date for the inmate's release.

This date is usually but not always, the expiry date of the non-parole period of their sentence. This is because the law states the SPA must make its final parole decision at least 21 days before the non parole period expires,  giving adequate time for arrangements to be made. 

Review Hearing

If the SPA panel grants an inmate parole following a public review hearing, they then set a date range for the inmate's release. That is, they will set a release date "no earlier than” and “no later than". 

Inmates are never released on the day a parole decision is made. The earliest release date is usually 2 weeks after the parole decision which is to allow time for any appeals to be lodged. 

Serious Offenders

If granted parole at a review hearing a serious offender is  never released on the day of the review hearing. Again, the SPA sets a date range for release usually 2 weeks after the decision has been handed down. This is to allow time for any appeals against the decision to be filed.

Corrective Services NSW is responsible for arranging and managing the release of every inmate from custody.

The SPA is not involved in this process.