Greg* is an Aboriginal man who was imprisoned in Northern Queensland. He was granted parole by the Parole Board subject to finding suitable accommodation. Greg found a property which was approved by the Parole Board. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the real estate agency managing the property were unwilling to accept him until he had been quarantined for a period of 14 days following his release from prison. This required Greg to reside for 14 days at an alternative residence which had not been approved by the Parole Board, preventing his release on parole. Other accommodation options in the area were not available because they all imposed similar quarantine requirements.
Prisoners Legal Service worked closely with key partners to advocate for Greg’s entry to the approved property immediately from prison. Prisoners Legal Service obtained a letter from Queensland Corrective Services outlining how COVID-19 had been managed within the prison. This letter was successful in persuading the real estate agency to accept Greg directly from prison. Greg was released on parole and is now living at his parole approved address.
*Not his real name.