The increase in the size of Victoria’s prison population over the last two decades has been driven by the growing number of people held on remand rather than more people committing offences, a landmark report has found.
The Sentencing Advisory Council report tracks the prison population in Victoria from 2004 to 2024, finding that it grew by 62 per cent in this time, far more than the less than 40 per cent increase in the general population of the state.
The report identifies three key periods for this.
After a period of relative stability from 2004 to 2011, there was a significant increase in the number of people in prison from 2012 to 2019.
Then, from 2020 to 2024, there was a “unique decline” in the prison population.
The report does not cover the rapid increase in the number of people in prison in Victoria since June 2024.
The report found that these volatile changes in the number of people in prison in the state are because of the number of people on remand, rather than the number of crimes being committed.
The increase in the size of Victoria’s prison population over the last two decades has been driven by the growing number of people held on remand rather than more people committing offences, a landmark report has found.
The Sentencing Advisory Council report tracks the prison population in Victoria from 2004 to 2024, finding that it grew by 62 per cent in this time, far more than the less than 40 per cent increase in the general population of the state.
The report identifies three key periods for this.
After a period of relative stability from 2004 to 2011, there was a significant increase in the number of people in prison from 2012 to 2019.
Then, from 2020 to 2024, there was a “unique decline” in the prison population.
The report does not cover the rapid increase in the number of people in prison in Victoria since June 2024.
The report found that these volatile changes in the number of people in prison in the state are because of the number of people on remand, rather than the number of crimes being committed.
Until 2011, only about 20 per cent of the prison population were on remand, but this jumped to 37 per cent in 2019 and peaked at 44 per cent in 2021.
There was then a steady decline in the next three years, although this figure has increased to 38 per cent as of August this year.
There have also been a lot more short-term prison sentences of less than six months.
“There are many more people in prison, particularly people held on remand prior to trial or sentencing,” Sentencing Advisory Council director Stan Winford said.
“As a result, people are receiving shorter prison sentences, many of which are time served prison sentences.
“But, at the same time, people committing serious offences such as murder, rape and other violent crimes are now receiving much longer prison sentences than they did previously.”
There are also far more First Nations people in custody compared to two decades ago, with the per capita imprisonment rate increasing by just under 70 per cent in this time.
Until 2011, only about 20 per cent of the prison population were on remand, but this jumped to 37 per cent in 2019 and peaked at 44 per cent in 2021.
There was then a steady decline in the next three years, although this figure has increased to 38 per cent as of August this year.
There have also been a lot more short-term prison sentences of less than six months.
“There are many more people in prison, particularly people held on remand prior to trial or sentencing,” Sentencing Advisory Council director Stan Winford said.
“As a result, people are receiving shorter prison sentences, many of which are time served prison sentences.
“But, at the same time, people committing serious offences such as murder, rape and other violent crimes are now receiving much longer prison sentences than they did previously.”
There are also far more First Nations people in custody compared to two decades ago, with the per capita imprisonment rate increasing by just under 70 per cent in this time.
Including tough bail laws being introduced in Victoria, the South Australian Government ruling out raising the age of criminal responsibility, a new parole board president appointed in Queensland and more.
The Australian Federal election is coming up. This is about voting for the Prime Minister and other federal politicians. It will be held on 3 May 2025.
“We can’t get information about how a party or candidate’s policies must impact prisoners,” Kelly told About Time. “Prison officers also will not provide us with any information as it is seen as political.”
Prison work differs across the country.
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