Extra measures hold up parole reform laws

Legislation to overhaul Queensland's parole system has been held up in state parliament after the Liberal National Party opposition introduced an amendment to include a 'No Body No Parole' measure.

The measure is used in cases where an offender hasn't revealed where their victim's body is located and was a recommendation of the Sofronoff Review of the state's parole system.

The Labor government earlier this year promised to consult with stakeholders over the issue, and didn't include it in legislation to overhaul the parole system, which started being debated on Tuesday.

However, opposition corrective services spokesperson Tim Mander said it was too important to hold off on.

"We believe more needs to be done to rebalance the scales of justice towards victims and their families," Mr Mander told parliament.

"While other states and territories have moved to implement these strong 'No Body No Parole' reforms, Labor in Queensland have sat idle while victims of crime miss out on the opportunities for closure that would be provided by the reforms."

The government is now reviewing the amendment and hopes to continue debating the legislation this week.

Earlier, Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan said the main overhaul, which reduces the three parole boards into one with a more full-time professional committee, would be a big step forward for the state.

"The new parole board is a cornerstone of the improved parole system in Queensland," Mr Ryan told parliament.

"This new, professionalised body represents the government's commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe."

The review of the parole system was sparked after 81-year-old grandmother Elizabeth Kippin was killed in her Townsville home last July, allegedly by a man who had been released on parole just hours earlier.