In 2015, Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) presented the 8th International Criminal Justice Conference – “Do Prisons Change Lives”. Keynote speaker, former Texan Republican Legislator, Jerry Madden delivered a direct message to Australian jurisdictions: “Don’t Build More Prisons, They Cost Too Much”. He stated that American Governments had learnt that mass incarceration policies have both economic and social costs that disadvantage communities rather than keeping them safe.

Fast forward to 2019 – Over the past 5 years, the expansion of prisons in Australia increases year on year.

In the four years to June 2018, Australia’s prison population has increased by 21%, which continues the trend over the previous decade rising 39% from 2006-2016 (ABS, 2018). Statistics show that the increase in prison numbers has not been driven by a rise in crime, nor has it now led to a meaningful reduction in crime. In 2018, Australia is currently ranked 11th out of the 34 OECD countries for imprisonment rates with 167 people in prison per 100,000 residents (Statista, 2018). Why is Australia’s imprisonment rate accelerating compared to other countries, and what are the impacts?

Join ACSO this November, in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology – Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Forensicare for the 9^th International Criminal Justice Conference to explore the economic and social impacts of increasing incarceration.

Held from November 20^th– 22^nd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, this international conference will bring together global policy, research and practice contributors to debate the effective use of prison on the principles of deterrence and rehabilitation. Robust conversation on evidence-based alternatives that address offenders’ needs from alcohol and other drug support to safe housing and more, that can support the reduction in incarceration, and increase community safety.