In light of the most recent community parole debate, there is a need to provide the common sense and accurate response.
Here is my letter to the Editor that appeared in the Age and Herald Sun last week.
The tragic events involving parolees should not result in responses that are likely to put us in more danger. Community safety is enhanced when people are released under parole supervision. The majority of prisoners are eventually released and it is in the community’s interest to have them released onto a period of parole rather than no parole/supervision. Do we ever ask, “what did the prison do to lower the risk of an ex-prisoner reoffending?”, especially given the enormous cost of prisons to taxpayers and the recurring rehabilitation failure rate. It is time to hold prisons to a higher level of accountability and transparency regarding prisoner rehabilitation. The Age
To be accurately and responsibly informed of the case in question and parole process, I encourage all to listen to the chairman of the Victorian Adult Parole Board, His Honour Judge Peter Couzens speaking with Neil Mitchell, 3AW. 3AW Mornings with Neil Mitchell
