sentencing trends and issues

SENTENCING TRENDS AND ISSUES

Adult imprisonment rate

• NSW has the 4th highest rate per 100,000 people in Australia

• NT’s rate is approx. 4 times higher than NSW

• Higher than Australian, English and Canadian average

HOW DO SENTENCING PATTERNS IN NSW COMPARE WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS?

Total population imprisonment rate

• 3rd highest in Australia

• Higher than Australia and Canada average but lower than England by 7 people per 100, 000

HOW DO SENTENCING PATTERNS IN NSW COMPARE WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS?

Full time imprisonment for specific offences

• Highest rate as a proportion of:– Sexual assault (93%)(rise since introduction of standard non parole period)– Robbery (82%)– Serious robbery (84%)– Break and enter (77%)

HOW DO SENTENCING PATTERNS IN NSW COMPARE WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS?

Corrective Services

• 3rd highest cost per prisoner per day - $256.80- ACT had the highest - $291.30

• Prison capacity in use was 2nd highest after SA at over 100%

HOW DO SENTENCING PATTERNS IN NSW COMPARE WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS?

Length of Sentences

• NSW recorded the largest decrease in imprisonment rates for juveniles by 49% as compared to Australian average of 29%

• Indigenous imprisonment rate is 12 times higher than non indigenous – WA is 18 times higher, Vic is 10 times higher: Australian average is 13 times higher

HOW DO SENTENCING PATTERNS IN NSW COMPARE WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS?

Prior Imprisonment

• NSW is ranks 4 out of 8 in their prior imprisonment population, equaling the Australian average of 57%

HOW DO SENTENCING PATTERNS IN NSW COMPARE WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS?