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Legal Corner

Legal Q&A – Is It Mandatory to Do Courses at Minimum Level Security to Get Parole?

By
John

John writes from Lindisfarne, Tasmania.

Ethan Cassidy

To About Time,

Is it mandatory to be at minimum security to get parole? A lot of courses are only offered when at minimum and then courses can take six months to complete. I am currently appealing my sentence, but that means I cannot move to a lower security rating. Would I be forced to drop my appeal just to get to minimum security? Is this fair? My parole is due November 12 but I can’t see how I can get it.

To About Time,

Is it mandatory to be at minimum security to get parole? A lot of courses are only offered when at minimum and then courses can take six months to complete. I am currently appealing my sentence, but that means I cannot move to a lower security rating. Would I be forced to drop my appeal just to get to minimum security? Is this fair? My parole is due November 12 but I can’t see how I can get it.

This
article
was originally printed in the
July 2025
edition of About Time.

Legal Q&A

Legal Q&A

Legal Q&A

By Brian
By Brian

My name is Brian. A lot of guys here are talking about new legislation coming in the near future, but I haven’t found it anywhere. It is called “Daniel’s Law”. I was wondering if you could explain it and when it will take effect and who it will apply to?

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 11

3 MIN READ

What Happens to Your Debts While You’re Inside?

What Happens to Your Debts While You’re Inside?

What Happens to Your Debts While You’re Inside?

By Prisoner Legal Service Queensland
By Prisoner Legal Service Queensland

Generally, debts can be put into two categories. First, there are private debts (e.g. from a bank, a landlord, a car dealer, or ‘Afterpay’). Second, there are debts owed to the State (e.g. unpaid fines).

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 20

2 MIN READ

Interstate Prison Transfers 101

Interstate Prison Transfers 101

Interstate Prison Transfers 101

By About Time
By About Time

People in prison can apply to transfer from a prison in one state or territory to another, generally for welfare reasons to be closer to family, community supports, or rehabilitation opportunities.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 24

4 MIN READ

Travel While on Parole

Travel While on Parole

Travel While on Parole

By Prisoners' Legal Service (PLS)
By Prisoners' Legal Service (PLS)

A parole order will include general and specific conditions. These include getting approval from the relevant authority for any travel interstate, or overseas.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 7

3 MIN READ

An Overview of the New Commonwealth Parole Laws

Prisoners’ Legal Service QLD

On 1 April 2026, the Australian Parliament passed new laws which will change the way Commonwealth parole works.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 25

3 MIN READ

Interstate Prison Transfers 101

By About Time

People in prison can apply to transfer from a prison in one state or territory to another, generally for welfare reasons to be closer to family, community supports, or rehabilitation opportunities.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 24

4 MIN READ

Inspectors’ Report!

By About Time

Inspectors and ombudsmen regularly go to prisons and publish reports on what they find and what they think needs to be improved. They also complete reports on issues such as access to healthcare or the use of segregation.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 23

4 MIN READ

The Parole Patchwork: An Overview of Australia’s Parole Laws

By Human Rights Law Centre lawyer Monique Hurley, with assistance from Connor Shaw

In recent years, regressive reform of parole laws in many places has made it increasingly difficult for people in prison to access parole.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 23

4 MIN READ