Victim-Survivor Slams Parole Board’s ‘Grossly Unfair’ Release of Salim Mehajer

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Salim Mehajer’s parole after nearly five years in prison has sparked outrage from his domestic violence victim-survivor, who calls the decision “grossly unfair.” This article examines the controversy surrounding Mehajer’s release, the parole board’s rationale, and concerns over the Albanese government’s oversight of justice processes.

On July 18, 2025, Salim Mehajer, a former Auburn deputy mayor, walked free from John Morony Correctional Centre in Sydney after serving three years and nine months of a seven-year sentence for domestic violence and fraud, per 9News. Convicted in 2023 for assaulting his ex-partner, including suffocation and death threats, Mehajer’s release was approved by the New South Wales (NSW) State Parole Authority (SPA) despite opposition from the Corrective Services Commissioner, who cited a “medium” risk of reoffending and lack of insight, per The Age. His victim, legally known as MB, condemned the decision, stating, “It is so unfair, so grossly unfair that the freedoms of the offender are put above the freedoms of victims,” per Daily Mail Australia. She argued the system fails survivors, leaving them to rebuild while offenders reclaim their lives.

Mehajer’s parole conditions include no contact with MB, bikies, or the Central Coast, alongside mandatory drug testing and domestic violence programs, per NCA NewsWire. Yet, MB highlighted the lasting trauma for victims, saying, “For some, it’s years of hiding,” and criticized the justice system for enabling abusers to manipulate legal processes. Mehajer’s history of delaying court proceedings through appeals, noted by prosecutors in a 2024 NSW Supreme Court hearing, raises doubts about his rehabilitation, per 9News. His upcoming appeal against domestic violence convictions on August 4, 2025, adds uncertainty, per The Sydney Morning Herald.

The Albanese government’s failure to reform parole transparency fuels distrust. With domestic violence cases rising, per the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the SPA’s decision to prioritize Mehajer’s release over victim concerns reflects poorly on Labor’s justice priorities. Stronger oversight and victim-focused policies are urgently needed to restore faith in the system. Support is available at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).