An Audit of parolees and electronic monitoring has made eight recommendations for improvements.

On 5th June 2019, the Chief Minister requested an audit of offenders on parole and community based offenders subject to electronic monitoring.

The Audit of 256 files found there were no serious issues in the management of people on parole or who are subject to electronic monitoring.

While there were no serious issues identified the audit makes eight recommendations to:

·         Ensure drug and alcohol testing and electronic monitoring resources are focused on monitoring the compliance of higher risk offenders.

·         Ensure administrative tasks are completed.

·         Streamline recruitment processes for Probation and Parole Officers.

·         Increase Community Corrections’ capacity to conduct drug and alcohol tests and audits.

Quotes from Corrections Commissioner Scott McNairn:

"The Audit found the majority of parolees and offenders on electronic monitoring have individual case plans in place. All supervised offenders are subject to a standardised, high intensity monitoring and compliance regime until their individual plan is completed. 

"It also found the majority of parolees and offenders on electronic monitoring, who are subject to alcohol and/or drug restrictions, have been subject to random testing in line with policy requirements.

"In cases where the policy requirements have not been met, this reflected a short period where testing has not been sufficiently frequent rather than the absence of testing.

"The random nature of drug and alcohol testing was also highlighted as an issue in some cases due to the unannounced nature of the testing."

Quotes from Attorney-General Natasha Fyles:

"The Territory Labor Government ordered this audit to ensure everything is being done to keep Territorians safe. Community safety is paramount.

"The audit found no serious concerns, but did highlight areas for improvement.

"I have directed the Department of Attorney-General and Justice to immediately increase the frequency of drug and alcohol testing for offenders, particularly high risk.

"We have accepted the Audit and will now work through the remaining findings and recommendations in detail."

Media Contact: Rob Cross 0439 778 095