In Parliament yesterday, I moved amendments to the Government’s Correctional Services legislation. The amendments were agreed to by the Government.

This will put an end to the automatic early release of prisoners with a head sentence of less than five years.

Currently, prisoners in for less than five years are automatically released after serving just two years – even if they misbehave in prison or act violently.

My amendments ensure that all violent offenders must now face the Parole Board before being given an early release back into the community.

I first raised this issue in Parliament in November last year, and the Government has finally come around to accepting community concerns about the early release of violent offenders.

I welcome the Government’s acceptance of my amendments, which will help ensure greater justice for victims and make prisoners more accountable.