AG Tony Buti could look to victims for final say on parole of serious criminals serving life sentences

Murderers, rapists and other criminals serving life sentences will remain at the mercy of Attorney General Tony Buti in their quest for release - after he decided against handing over tough parole decisions to an independent body. Dr Buti had considered scrapping the long-standing practice whereby the Attorney-General of the state had the final say on whether serious criminals should be released on parole after lengthy jail sentences. But he decided against the move, instead floating other possible changes to the parole system. Since taking over as AG from the retired John Quigley, Dr Buti has refused parole for Douglas Crabbe, who is serving five consecutive life sentences for murdering multiple people at the Inland Hotel near Uluru in 1983, and child killer Dante Arthurs. “We considered the transfer of the executive-decision making in relation to parole, but we have chosen to retain the current process,” Dr Buti said. However, he was considering several other options to strengthen the parole system, including putting victims of crime on the Prisoners Review Board. Currently, victims of crime are able to provide written submissions to the PRB at any time. The Victim Engagement Unit or Victim Notification Register, both within the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime in the Department of Justice, assist victims on making submissions during a parole review. The VEU also submits a report that can include victims’ concerns about release. There have been instances where victims have attended parole hearings with the Chair’s permission to raise concerns about a prisoner being considered for parole. Dr Buti is considering appointing independent victim of crime representatives to the Prisoners Review Board. “On my behalf, the Department of Justice is currently consulting with key stakeholders and developing reform options regarding parole for life for prisoners sentenced to life or indefinite terms as part of laws to be introduced this term,” Dr Buti said. “This will include considering additional options to enhance and strengthen the role of victims in the parole decision-making process for this group of prisoners in our State. “These options include: compelling the Board to give substantial weight to victims’ views; legislating for independent victim representatives on the Board; and giving victims greater access to information about an offender.” He said the government was also working towards “improving the efficiency and operation of the Coroner’s Court in Western Australia”.