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About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

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ISSUE NO. 17
December 2025
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Legal Corner

Explainer of Prison Offence Laws

Ethan Cassidy

There are major differences between how offences in prisons are dealt with around Australia. These offences typically range from minor ones, such as keeping an untidy cell, to more serious ones and others that can become criminal charges.

For non-criminal prison offences, the rules for how these are investigated and dealt with are outlined in the various state and territory corrections acts.

These state what type of actions are considered prison offences, who is responsible for investigating whether one has been committed, what burden of proof that it happened must be reached, what punishments can be imposed and whether it is possible to review one of these decisions.

There are major differences between how offences in prisons are dealt with around Australia. These offences typically range from minor ones, such as keeping an untidy cell, to more serious ones and others that can become criminal charges.

For non-criminal prison offences, the rules for how these are investigated and dealt with are outlined in the various state and territory corrections acts.

These state what type of actions are considered prison offences, who is responsible for investigating whether one has been committed, what burden of proof that it happened must be reached, what punishments can be imposed and whether it is possible to review one of these decisions.

Common Human Rights Issues in Prison

Common Human Rights Issues in Prison

Common Human Rights Issues in Prison

By Prisoners’ Legal Service (Queensland)
By Prisoners’ Legal Service (Queensland)

This article discusses some of the human rights that may be relevant in prison with reference to human rights protections under the Human Rights Act 2019 (QLD) in Queensland.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 8

6 MIN READ

What Happens to Your Debts While You’re Inside?

What Happens to Your Debts While You’re Inside?

What Happens to Your Debts While You’re Inside?

By Prisoner Legal Service Queensland
By Prisoner Legal Service Queensland

Generally, debts can be put into two categories. First, there are private debts (e.g. from a bank, a landlord, a car dealer, or ‘Afterpay’). Second, there are debts owed to the State (e.g. unpaid fines).

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 20

2 MIN READ

Struggling With Debt? Financial Counselling Might Help!

Struggling With Debt? Financial Counselling Might Help!

Struggling With Debt? Financial Counselling Might Help!

By About Time
By About Time

Financial counsellors are skilled professionals who provide advice and support to people struggling with bills and debt.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 6

3 MIN READ

Freedom of Information (Part Two): Review Options

Freedom of Information (Part Two): Review Options

Freedom of Information (Part Two): Review Options

By Daniel Vansetten
By Daniel Vansetten

This is the second part of a two-part series on Freedom of Information (or Right to Information) laws. This part discusses ‘review processes’ – that is, what can be done if you are unhappy with the FOI decision, particularly if you were refused information and you think this was incorrect.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 5

10 MIN READ

What Happens to Your Debts While You’re Inside?

By Prisoner Legal Service Queensland

Generally, debts can be put into two categories. First, there are private debts (e.g. from a bank, a landlord, a car dealer, or ‘Afterpay’). Second, there are debts owed to the State (e.g. unpaid fines).

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 20

2 MIN READ

Confusing Decision Made About You? Maybe FOI Can Help

By Dan Vansetten

The concern for those who are subjected to government decisions is that they often do not get to see the integrity of the information which was considered by the decision-maker and don’t get to check if it’s correct.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 20

3 MIN READ

Practical Self-Advocacy Tips: Part 1 – Using Prison Policies

By Daniel Vansetten

One of the most important aspects of self-advocacy in prison is to understand the rights of prisoners and the limitations of power of prison authorities.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 19

2 MIN READ

Be Prepared: New Restrictions on Mobile Phones in Immigration Detention

By Josephine Langbien

New laws mean that immigration detention officers can now confiscate things like mobile phones, iPads and laptops, which were previously allowed in detention centres. If you’re facing time in immigration detention at the end of your sentence, this article gives some practical tips to prepare for the new rules before you go.

Legal Corner

ISSUE NO. 19

3 MIN READ