The Parole Board is an independent body that reviews parole applications from people in prison serving a life sentence and decides whether or not they should be released on parole. Parole involves release from prison under certain conditions.
Parole will not be granted to anyone who has served less than 12 years.
If granted parole, the person must follow all the conditions of their parole order. They are still serving a life sentence, but in the community. The person may be returned to prison if they re-offend or break any of the conditions of the parole order.
When deciding on a parole application, the Board considers many factors including:
the risk to the public;
the rehabilitation of the applicant;
whether it is appropriate they be released on parole.
The Board also interacts with victims who have a right to a voice in the parole process.