Community Based Sentences (Interstate Transfer) Bill 2019

Overview

This bill allows adults serving community-based sentences in Queensland to have their sentences formally transferred to another state or territory when they move interstate. It replaces informal arrangements with a proper legal framework that ensures offenders can be supervised and held accountable wherever they live in Australia.

Who it affects

Adults on probation, community service orders, intensive correction orders, graffiti removal orders, or drug and alcohol treatment orders who need to relocate interstate. It also affects Queensland Corrective Services, which gains clear powers to supervise interstate offenders.

Key changes

• Creates a formal process for transferring community-based sentences between Australian states and territories
• Requires consent from the offender, the original jurisdiction, and the receiving jurisdiction before a transfer
• Once registered in the new state, the sentence is managed as if a local court imposed it, including for breach proceedings
• Allows offenders to obtain travel permits for temporary interstate travel while on community orders
• Gives authorities power to arrest offenders who breach their travel permit conditions