Explainer of Prison Offence Laws

Your browser window currently does not have enough height, or is zoomed in too far to view our website content correctly. Once the window reaches the minimum required height or zoom percentage, the content will display automatically.
Alternatively, you can learn more via the links below.

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.

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