4517.0 - Prisoners in Australia, 2015  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 11/12/2015   
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Sex

At 30 June 2015:
    • There were 33,256 male prisoners in Australian prisons, an increase of 7% (2,055 prisoners) from 31,201 prisoners at 30 June 2014. The number of female prisoners increased by 11% (287 prisoners) from 2,589 prisoners at June 30 2014, to 2,876 prisoners at 30 June 2015. (Table 2)

Graph Image for MALE PRISONERS

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia



Graph Image for FEMALE PRISONERS

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia


    • Since 30 June 2014, the national male imprisonment rate increased by 5% from 348 to 366 prisoners per 100,000 male adult population. The national female imprisonment rate increased by 9% from 28 to 31 prisoners per 100,000 female adult population. (Table 14)

    • The Northern Territory had the highest imprisonment rate for both males (1,509 prisoners per 100,000 male adult population) and females (176 prisoners per 100,000 female adult population). Tasmania had the lowest imprisonment rate for males (247 prisoners per 100,000 male adult population), whilst the Australian Capital Territory had the lowest imprisonment rate for females (14 prisoners per 100,000 female adult population). (Table 16)

Graph Image for MALE IMPRISONMENT RATE(a), States and territories

Footnote(s): (a) Rate per 100,000 male adult population. See Explanatory Notes, paragraphs 54–57 and 59–62.

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia



Graph Image for FEMALE IMPRISONMENT RATE(a), States and territories

Footnote(s): (a) Rate per 100,000 female adult population.See Explanatory Notes, paragraphs 54–57 and 59–62.

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia


    • The most common offences/charges for male prisoners were:

      – Acts intended to cause injury (21%)

      – Illicit drug offences (13%)

      – Sexual assault (12%)

    • The most common offences/charges for female prisoners were:

      – Acts intended to cause injury (19%)

      – Illicit drug offences (18%)

      – Unlawful entry with intent and offences against justice (both 10%). (Table 1)