The Post Sentence Authority's 2023-24 Annual Report

As of 30 June 2024, 123 people were subject to a post sentence order. Of these, 90 are on orders for committing a serious sex offence, 20 are on orders for committing a serious violent offence and 13 are both serious sex and serious violent offences.   

Notably, in 2023-24, 12 people on post sentence orders had their orders expire, and 3 orders were revoked. This shows that change is possible for those who have been able to satisfy a court through cogent evidence that they no longer pose an unacceptable risk to the community. It also shows that people on post sentence orders are not on an order for any longer than needed. Rather, it is a scheme genuinely focused on harm minimisation, risk reduction, rehabilitation, and reintegration.  

Despite slightly reducing the number of people on orders from the previous year, the Authority's work did not decrease. The same number of hearings were held (224), with a 2% increase in Coordinated Service Plans (328) being reviewed. 1212 directions were issued (39% increase from 2022/23), and 2713 decisions were made (18% increase from 2022/23). 118 interviews were conducted with people on orders.

The Authority’s Chairperson, Felicity Hampel AM SC, notes that the five-year legislative review of the Serious Offenders Act 2018 is complete, finding that the Act is operating as intended.

The review also found that the Act had strengthened the ability to protect the community and support the rehabilitation and treatment of people who had previously committed serious sexual and violent offences.

The intensive supervision and monitoring of people on orders provides for early identification of “red flag” behaviours, alerting the Authority to possible escalation in risk, resulting in mitigation strategies, further reducing escalation.

Throughout the year, progress has occurred in ensuring people on orders receive appropriate, targeted and coordinated mental health treatment, addiction treatment, access to community reintegration programs and placement in suitable housing in addition to programs designed to address their offending behaviour. 

This year, the Authority published 2 brochures that assist people on post sentence orders to understand their obligations and the role of the Authority. These can be accessed here: Publications | Post Sentence Authority (External link)

The Authority now refers to participants in the post sentence scheme not as offenders but as people on orders.