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Amendments to the Parole Act 2002

The Parole Board must be required to respect a Judge's sentencing notes: and to ensure that a victim's right to justice is not over ridden by the direction to release as soon as the Parole Board think an offender won't be a risk to the safety of the community.

Make the Parole Boards decision enforceable to delay next hearing for three years.
Example: Bevan and Dawn Smith thought the Parole Board decision; 7 March 2003 that Bailey would not be reconsidered for 3 years was final. Bailey's lawyer says they will apply before that period is up.

Parole Board hearings to be in public: Court convictions and sentencing are held in public, so should all Parole hearings. Parole Board must not be able to alter Courts sentence without complete openness and a public explanation.

Victims must have an absolute right to attend Parole Board hearings:
Example: Rita Croskery was not sure whether she would be allowed to attend hearing of Casey Rawiri's parole application reported 14 March 2003.

Evidence of remorse as a condition for all parole: absence of, or lack of remorse an immediate qualification for recall.
Example: Edward Smith, Delcelia Whittaker's killer, whose intention to write his story and other scandalous behaviour indicated no remorse and a willingness to cash in on his horrific crimes.

End Christmas early release: Section 52 of the Parole Act: an insult to victims, if we must lean at all, lean on the side of caution.
Example: 283 prisoners out early in December 2002; of these 154 had served less than half their sentences.

Mandatory requirement for record keeping and publication of parole offending figures.