The Territory Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Mr Rex Wild AO QC as Acting Chairperson of the Parole Board of the Northern Territory.
Recent changes made to the Parole Act 1971 has brought the Northern Territory in-line with other Australian jurisdictions by ensuring that the Chairperson of the Parole Board is not a sitting Supreme Court Judge.
Mr Wild was admitted to practise as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory in 1992 and subsequently was appointed Senior Assistant Director to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and then Senior Crown Counsel with Attorney-General and Justice (AGD).
During this time, he appeared in a number of civil matters representing the Territory. Mr Wild was appointed as Acting DPP in the Northern Territory in October 1995, an appointment which was made permanent in 1996, and one he held until his retirement on 31 January 2006. While in this role, Mr Wild regularly appeared in all jurisdiction courts, prosecuted appeals and murder trials, and represented the Crown in the High Court of Australia.
Since 2006, Mr Wild has been a member of the Northern Territory Bar and has carried on practise from Myilly Point Chambers and William Forster Chambers.
Mr Wild has continued to practice as a Barrister until recent years and remains a member of the Northern Territory Bar.
Mr Wild will remain Acting Chairperson until the recruitment for a permanent Chairperson is finalised.
Quotes from Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Selena Uibo:
"I congratulate Mr Wild on his appointment and acknowledge the important work he will carry out for Territorians by overseeing the Board.
"Mr Wild has extensive experience working and practising in the Territory, and his appointment will bring the Territory into line with other jurisdictions.
"His work on the parole board will ensure better outcomes for people involved with the justice system, which will have flow on benefits for the wider community."
Quotes from Acting Chairperson of the Parole Board of the Northern Territory Mr Wild:
"I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as the acting chairperson of the Parole Board. I look forward to building on the fine leadership provided by Supreme Court judges to the Board over many years and, in particular, in recent years by Justice Southwood.
"The Board members are all fine representatives of the organisations, interests and the broader community from which they have been chosen. I am aware of the earnest and sympathetic consideration they give to the plight of prisoners on their release from custody. There is a concomitant responsibility to also consider the interests of the victims of their crimes and the needs of the communities into which they are to be released. It is a continuing dilemma, and much remains to be done.
"I am looking forward to contributing to the Board's important work."
Northern Territory Government
