The Parole Board is an independent statutory body, first established in 1969.

The role of the Board is to assess risk and determine whether to grant, deny, breach or cancel parole, and to set appropriate conditions for parole release. The Board reviews the progress and performance of parolees.

Membership

Membership of the Parole Board is defined by law. It comprises eleven members and two deputy members who are appointed by the Governor of South Australia.

The Presiding Member (Chairperson) is required to be a Judge (current or retired) of the Supreme Court or District Court, or a person who has extensive knowledge of, and experience in, the science of criminology, penology or any related science.

The current Presiding Member is Frances Nelson KC who has been in the position since 1983.

The Board has a permanent meeting room in the Adelaide CBD. This facility has adjacent holding cells to accommodate prisoners awaiting a hearing before the board. The Parole Board Secretariat provides administrative support to the Board and is located in the same building.

The Parole Board works closely and collaboratively with Aboriginal support services such as Nunkuwarrin Yunti, Offender Aid and Rehabilitation Services (OARS), Forensic Mental Health Service, South Australia Police (SAPol) and the Department for Correctional Services.

The Board also receives assistance from non-government agencies including, but not limited to, Anglicare, the Salvation Army and Uniting Communities, who assist with finding appropriate accommodation for offenders with a level of supervision and support.