'Bigger questions' after parole board's AI use blunder

Neill-Fraser was released on parole in 2022 after serving 13 years behind bars for murdering her partner Bob Chappell on their yacht in 2009.

The state parole board later added conditions preventing her from speaking to the media to claim her innocence or an alleged wrongful conviction.

It was revealed in court that the parole board relied on a document that had been prepared with the help of AI and referred to case law that didn't exist.

Prisoners Legal Service Tasmania chair Greg Barns said the condition was deeply troubling and it was extraordinary the case law wasn't checked.

The legal service would examine some 50-60 parole decisions over the past two years to see whether AI had been used, he said.

"I'm not saying it has been, but if it has we'll be bringing this to the attention of the government," he said.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett has written to the parole board asking for an explanation about its professional standards and an assurance such a problem doesn't occur again.

Mr Barnett has also asked for the justice department to remind staff about its AI use policy.

The justice department has been contacted for comment about the parole board's use of AI and whether any audits or reviews are being undertaken.

The Neill-Fraser situation highlighted AI's dangers, family law specialist Will Stidston said.

"Unfortunately, it's a further example of the care that needs to be taken … by those in the legal space," said Mr Stidston, who has written about the evolving use of AI.

Guidelines in place nationally for legal professionals' use of AI were sufficient, he said, but they were only as good as the individuals using the programs.

"The courts are doing the best they possibly can, but human nature suggests there are still going to be some issues," he said.

Mr Barns has called for the sacking of the officials involved in the parole board blunder and for an audit, while the Greens believe the saga raises bigger questions for the government.

"There's been plenty of warnings about how AI can generate false case law and this is the most concrete local example," Greens MP Cassy O'Connor said.

"Justice delivered fairly and equitably is too important to be contaminated by AI slop."

Despite multiple failed appeals, Neill-Fraser said she would continue in her quest to clear her name.

"I cannot walk away from this. I'm going to take some time now to consider what my next steps will be," she said outside court.