Firstly thank you for all you do in preparing and producing About Time. I became eligible for parole in October 2025, over 9 months ago. I was sentenced for Commonwealth offences and I am required to apply for Commonwealth parole. When I was sentenced my lawyer advised me that parole would be a formality and that I would not even be required to apply. I have since long since learned that this advice was incorrect.
Finding information relating to Commonwealth Parole or people able to provide correct advice has proven challenging since I was sentenced.
In October last year my parole was refused, mainly due to my report from my offence related program (FIS) not being available. At this time CCS recommended me for parole. The Commonwealth Parole Office was provided with my report from my Offence Related Program more than 4 months ago and still my application to reconsider me for parole remains unactioned whilst I remain incarcerated long past the time that my sentencing judge reccomended me eligible for parole.
I have engaged a lawyer to assist through this process but even identifying a lawyer that understood and dealt with Commonwealth parole was a difficult task that I was only able to manage with the support of my partner outside.
Again thank you for your time.
Chris.
