Political interventions have undermined the parole system's effectiveness and independence

Last month, the chair of the UKs parole board, Nick Hardwick, resigned after three High Court judges ordered the board to reconsider its release on parole of serial sex offender John Worboys. Two victims successfully challenged Worboys release on very strict conditions after he had been in jail for ten years. But the court ruled the parole board should have inquired further into Worboys offending to determine the credibility of his account to the board. It also held that a rule preventing the board from publicising its reasons was invalid. Like the UK, parole systems in Australia have received sustained criticism recently. Parole boards, like courts, were established as independent and impartial bodies, particularly in relation to high-profile, emotive and controversial cases. The Worboys case highlights just how important this principle is.