When imposing an indefinite sentence under s 163 of the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld), the sentencing court must consider not only the offender's dangerousness at the time of sentencing but also, and at least as importantly, the future risk of serious physical harm to the community if a determinate sentence is imposed instead. The parole provisions in s 166 of the Corrective Services Act 1988 (Qld) have no application to indefinite sentences, which are governed exclusively by the review regime in Part X of the Penalties and Sentences Act. Expert medical evidence, while potentially helpful, is not an essential prerequisite to a finding of serious danger to the community.
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