Planning and Lands Minister John Carey and Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti hold a press conference in Hyde Park, Perth, on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Pictured is Minister Dr Tony Buti.
The Attorney General of Western Australia, Tony Buti, has decided to maintain his authority over parole decisions for serious criminals serving life sentences, despite considering a shift to an independent review body. This decision keeps the focus on the Attorney General as the final arbiter in parole cases, particularly for offenders like Douglas Crabbe and child killer Dante Arthurs.
Dr. Buti, who succeeded John Quigley as Attorney General, has already denied parole to Crabbe, who is serving five consecutive life sentences for multiple murders committed in 1983 at the Inland Hotel near Uluru. Similarly, Arthurs remains incarcerated for his heinous crimes against children.
In his recent statements, Dr. Buti acknowledged the consideration of transferring parole decision-making away from his office but ultimately opted to retain the existing process. “We considered the transfer of the executive decision-making in relation to parole, but we have chosen to retain the current process,” he stated.
While the decision to keep the Attorney General’s role unchanged is final, Dr. Buti is exploring ways to enhance the parole system. One significant consideration involves increasing the involvement of victims in the parole process. Currently, victims can submit written statements to the Prisoners Review Board (PRB) during parole reviews, with support from the Victim Engagement Unit and the Victim Notification Register within the Department of Justice.
Dr. Buti is contemplating appointing independent representatives of crime victims to the PRB. “On my behalf, the Department of Justice is currently consulting with key stakeholders and developing reform options regarding parole for life for prisoners sentenced to life or indefinite terms,” he said.
These proposed reforms aim to amplify the voices of victims in the decision-making process. Suggestions include compelling the PRB to give substantial weight to victims’ opinions, legislating for independent victim representatives on the board, and enhancing victims’ access to information regarding offenders.
Victims currently have opportunities to express their concerns during parole hearings, with the Chair’s permission. This involvement is intended to ensure that the sentiments of those affected by crime are considered in the decisions impacting the release of serious offenders.
Dr. Buti emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency and operation of the Coroner’s Court in Western Australia, indicating a broader focus on legal reform that prioritizes public safety and the perspectives of victims.
As these discussions continue, the role of victims in the parole process remains a pivotal issue in the ongoing dialogue about justice and rehabilitation for serious offenders in Western Australia.
