Prisoner numbers up 3% in 2023
The number of prisoners in Australia grew by 3 per cent to 41,929, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Prisoners on remand increased by 7 per cent to 15,937. Sentenced prisoners increased by 1 per cent to 25,888.
William Milne, ABS head of crime and justice statistics, said: “The increase in prisoner numbers follows a decrease in 2022.”
“Prisoner numbers rose for offence types such as assault, up 7 per cent, sexual assault rose 6 per cent and burglary, up 9 per cent. In contrast, decreases were seen in offence types such as illicit drug offences, down 6 per cent, and fraud which dropped 12 per cent.”
Further information, including state and territory data, can be found in Prisoners in Australia, 2023, available for free download from the ABS website: http://www.abs.gov.au
Media notes
- Offence refers to most serious offence or charge as defined in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Offence Classification (ANZSOC).
- Prisoners on remand are awaiting the outcome of their court hearing. They are referred to as unsentenced prisoners in the publication.
- When reporting ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.
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