Sentenced inmates in Australian prisons down 7%

Australian prisons are less populated this year, according to the latest figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics which show the amount of prisoners sentenced fell by seven per cent (2,056), down to a total of 25,624.

Overall, there were 40,591 prisoners in custody by June 30 2022 — a six per cent (2,379) drop compared to the 2021 figures.

The imprisonment rate simultaneously decreased by six per cent, down from 214 to 201 prisoners per 100,000 adult population.

“This is lowest count of prisoners since 2017. COVID-19 related restrictions, which began in March 2020, may still be impacting criminal activity and the justice system,” says ABS head of crime and justice statistics William Milne.

“Prisoner numbers dropped for nearly all offence types, including illicit drug offences (-13 per cent), burglary (-11 per cent), and robbery (-12 per cent). In contrast, prisoners in custody for sexual assault offences increased by 4 per cent over the year.”

The most significant decreases in serious charges include:

• Unlawful entry with intent, down 15 percent (402)
• Illicit drug offences, down 10 percent (392)
• Robbery, extortion and related offences, down 18 percent (358)

There were decreases in all Australian states and territories except for the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, which both saw an increase.

The NT saw an increase of eight per cent (135) to a total of 1,934, and the ACT increased by just one per cent (2) to a total 381.

However, despite the increases in the two territories, the news overall is positive.

The number of male prisoners during this time period decreased by five percent (2,075), down to a total of 37,605 between 30th of June 2021, and 30th of June 2022.

The female prisoner popular declined by an even more significant 10 per cent (315), down to a total of 2,977.

The complete release can be viewed here.