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Prisons in Australia are not as bad as they are often depicted. Inmates are provided with a bed, shower, toilet, a small writing desk, an open cupboard, and a TV. They are given daily meals, though the food is not particularly enjoyable or nutritionally sufficient. Each prison has a clinic with nurses, and doctors and dentists are available, albeit with long waiting lists. Therapists are also available, but they must be booked in advance. Prisoners with disabilities, however, face physical and sexual abuse and are more likely to be placed in solitary confinement. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately incarcerated, with incarceration rates ten times higher than the rest of the Australian population. Overall, while Australian prisons have their issues, they are not as terrifying as one might imagine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of correctional facilities | 115 |
| Number of prisoners (as of June 2024) | 44,399 |
| Male prisoners (as of June 2024) | 40,967 |
| Female prisoners (as of June 2024) | 3,432 |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners (as a percentage of total prisoners) | 83% |
| Prisoners born overseas (as a percentage of total prisoners) | 14% |
| Most common countries of birth for prisoners born overseas | N/A |
| Sentenced prisoners (as of June 2024) | 26,281 |
| Unsented prisoners (as of June 2024) | 18,036 |
| Percentage of prisoners with disabilities | 50% |
| Types of disabilities | Physical, cognitive, mental health conditions |
| Availability of medical facilities | Nurses and doctors available, but with potential wait times |
| Availability of welfare checks | Yes |
| Safety | Depends on behaviour and respect for others; violence is a possibility |
| Availability of education and vocational training | Yes |
| Availability of recreational facilities | Yes |
| Availability of private cells | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Prison conditions: cells, food, healthcare, and education
Prison conditions in Australia vary depending on the jail and the security level. Prisoners in maximum-security facilities experience different conditions than those in minimum-security prisons. Inmates in Australia do not wear orange uniforms as often depicted in American movies, and most cells do not resemble those seen in films, with concrete walls and metal bars. Inmates wear green uniforms, and the cells are generally more comfortable than those portrayed in popular media.
Cells
The physical conditions of prison cells in Australia can vary greatly depending on the jail. While some cells may resemble those seen in movies, others provide more comfortable living conditions, especially in minimum-security facilities. Inmates in NSW are classified into different security levels: A-class (maximum security), B-class (medium security), C-class (minimum security), and E-class (for those who have attempted escape). Each classification has varying levels of outdoor time and confinement.
Food
The food in Australian prisons is generally not considered enjoyable and often lacks nutritional value. In state-run prisons, dinners are typically frozen meals that are heated and served, with occasional cold meals provided twice a week. Inmates look forward to certain meals, such as chicken wings, but portions are small. Lunches may include defrosted pre-packaged wraps or sandwiches, with some fruit or yoghurt. At privately-owned prisons, such as Junee and Clarence, dinners are of higher quality and may be prepared by inmates working in the kitchen. Minimum-security prisons like Clarence, Glen Innes, and Muswellbrook allow inmates to purchase a limited amount of perishable food weekly, including fresh vegetables and meat, which they can cook themselves.
Inmates receive a weekly allowance, known as "yard money," which is approximately $15 if they do not work. Working inmates earn a low wage, typically $1-$2 per hour, in addition to their yard money. Inmates can also receive money from family and friends, up to $600 per month in NSW. This money can be used to purchase additional food items, known as "buy-up," as well as phone calls.
Healthcare
Healthcare is a significant issue in Australian prisons. Prisoners have more complex physical and mental health needs than the general population and higher rates of diagnosed and undiagnosed conditions. Despite this, they have less access to healthcare services while incarcerated. Prisoners are unable to access the Medicare universal healthcare system or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which creates financial challenges for prisons in providing certain medications and services. There is also limited access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and no access to needle and syringe programs.
Mental health services in Australian prisons are widely considered inadequate, with limited access to ongoing counselling and psychological services. The typical response to inmates reporting mental health issues is to place them in solitary confinement, which exacerbates their condition and hinders rehabilitation. There are no guidelines for the number of mental health staff required in prisons, and most jurisdictions do not meet the recommended ratio of one full-time mental health worker for every 50 prisoners.
However, some prisoners may have improved health outcomes while incarcerated. For those who underutilized health services prior to imprisonment, prison provides an opportunity to receive treatment. Approximately 26% of released prisoners reported being diagnosed with a previously unknown condition while in custody, and 53% reported improved health during their incarceration.
Education
There is limited information specifically regarding education in Australian prisons. However, it appears that educational opportunities are scarce. Inmates and their families have expressed concerns about the lack of access to courses or rehabilitation programs during incarceration, which could aid in their transition back into the community upon release.
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Safety and violence: between inmates and with staff
Australian prisons are not as terrifying as they are made out to be in the movies. However, violence is a very real possibility, and there can be frequent fights and stabbings. Inmates who are rude, owe money or drugs, or show disrespect to others may be in danger. Not paying off debts can also be a serious issue, leading to physical danger. Inmates who snitch on others are labelled "dogs", which is one of the worst things to be known as in Australian jails.
Inmates with disabilities are at a higher risk of physical and sexual abuse, both from other prisoners and staff. Researcher Kriti Sharma, who visited 14 prisons in Australia, found that prisoners with disabilities were regularly bullied and had their possessions, cigarettes, and medication taken away. They are also more likely to be placed in solitary confinement.
To stay safe, inmates should respect the established pecking order within each pod or wing in a prison. They should also avoid stealing food, drugs, tobacco, or other items from others, as this can lead to violent retaliation.
In cases of immediate physical danger, inmates can "buzz up" by pressing the red emergency buttons in their cells to notify the guards. However, doing so may result in the inmate being labelled a "dog" or a "boneyarder".
Overall, while Australian prisons may not be as dangerous as often depicted, it is crucial to remain vigilant and aware of potential risks to avoid becoming a target of violence.
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Incarceration rates and causes: high rates for Indigenous Australians
Incarceration rates for Indigenous Australians have been persistently and disproportionately high. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults make up around 2% of the national population, yet they constitute 27% of the national prison population. In 2016, they were 12.5 times more likely to be in prison than non-Indigenous people, with Indigenous women 21.2 times more likely to be incarcerated than non-Indigenous women. This disparity has been widening, with Indigenous incarceration rates increasing by 41% between 2006 and 2016.
The high incarceration rates among Indigenous Australians are influenced by various social determinants, including health, education, employment, housing, and social and emotional well-being. Research indicates that upwards of 90% of Indigenous prisoners in New South Wales have complex health and disability support needs, with many experiencing mental health issues, trauma from violence and abuse, and drug and alcohol problems. These issues are often interconnected and contribute to the disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Australians, making them more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system.
The over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system has been described as a "national disgrace." Efforts have been made to address this issue, with the Closing the Gap target aiming to reduce the rate of Indigenous adults in prison by at least 15% by 2031. However, recent reports suggest that this target is not on track, and incarceration rates for Indigenous people continue to rise.
The situation is particularly concerning for Indigenous women, who constitute a significant proportion of the female prison population. In 2016, the rate of imprisonment for Indigenous women was higher than that of non-Indigenous men and women, highlighting the severe over-representation of this group in the criminal justice system.
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Sentencing and parole: full-term sentences and early release
Australia has nine different legislative regimes for sentencing and parole, as well as eight prison regimes. There is a federal system and eight states and territories with their own regimes: New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory.
Parole is a conditional release that allows an offender to serve part of their sentence in the community, subject to certain conditions. Almost all states and territories have some form of parole release authority, usually comprised of retired judicial officers, full-time members of the parole authority, and community members. There is no parole board for federal offences, and the final decision rests with the Federal Attorney-General.
In June 2017, there were 14,871 persons on parole across Australia, and with rising prisoner numbers, this figure is likely to increase. There is mixed support for parole among the Australian public, with 46% agreeing that prisoners should be released to serve the last part of their sentence in the community under supervision, while 38% disagreed. However, there is also support for 'truth in sentencing', with 59% agreeing that prisoners should serve their entire sentence in custody.
The minimum non-parole term for a life sentence varies between jurisdictions and between different crimes. For example, in Western Australia, a life sentence for a crime other than murder carries a minimum non-parole period of seven years, while the equivalent term in Queensland is 15 years. The longest overall non-parole period for a single murder is 45 years and six months, being served by Michael Barry Fyfe (South Australia). New South Wales is the only state or territory to mandate life without parole for the murder of a police officer.
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Prison work: maintenance, welfare, and prison-carers
Prison work is an integral part of Australian prison life, offering inmates structured days, skill development, and financial opportunities. Prisoners under 65 years of age are generally expected to work unless medically unfit, with some exceptions based on security needs and individual welfare. The availability and nature of prison jobs vary across facilities, but common areas of work include facility services such as kitchens, laundry, cleaning, maintenance, and gardening. Prisoners with minimum security classifications may even work in the community.
Prison industries involve work contracted from outside the prison or through service-type industries. For example, prisoners at the Langi Kal Kal Angus stud can gain skills in agriculture, animal husbandry, and record-keeping. Additionally, prisoners prepare meals for other inmates, undergoing training in culinary skills. This work provides prisoners with valuable experience in in-demand industries, enhancing their employability upon release.
Prison work also extends to maintenance and welfare roles. Some inmates work in laundry, cleaning, and maintenance services, contributing to the upkeep of the prison facility. Welfare checks are conducted on prisoners, addressing their mental health and well-being. Furthermore, healthcare services are provided, including access to nurses, doctors, dentists, and therapists, although wait times for certain services can be lengthy.
Prisoners in Australia are remunerated for their work at rates set by the Corrections Commissioner. Earnings are deposited into their accounts, allowing them financial autonomy to purchase additional food or make phone calls. This financial independence within the prison system can contribute to a sense of normalcy and empowerment. Overall, prison work in Australia aims to provide inmates with meaningful opportunities for skill development, financial stability, and improved rehabilitation prospects.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian prisons are not as bad as they are often depicted. Prisoners have their own private cells with a bed, shower, toilet, a small writing desk, an open cupboard, and a TV. They are secure and provide inmates with everything they need. However, the food is not very good and is not nutritionally sufficient. Prisoners have access to medical care, but there can be long wait times for doctors and dentists.
Australian prisons are nowhere near as terrifying as they are often imagined to be. However, violence is a real possibility, and there can be frequent fights and stabbings. Prisoners who are perceived as snitches or debtors can be targeted for violence. Prisoners with disabilities are also at a high risk of physical and sexual abuse, both from other prisoners and staff.
A large proportion of inmates are offered the opportunity to be released on parole early and reintegrate into the community under close supervision.
