In Phillips v Parole Board Queensland [2024] QSC 275, Anthony Phillips sought judicial review of the Parole Board's decision to deny his parole application. Serving a 14-year and 9-month sentence for manslaughter and other offenses, Phillips became eligible for parole in June 2024. The Parole Board refused his application, citing high risk to the community based on his criminal history and behaviour. Phillips contended that the refusal violated procedural fairness, particularly due to the board's reliance on confidential intelligence he viewed only in redacted form. Justice Hindman dismissed the application, ruling that the board's decision was lawful and that procedural fairness was maintained, even considering public interest immunity. The decision was not overturned as Phillips failed to prove that crucial considerations were overlooked or that the decision was legally unreasonable.
Full text: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/150490