4517.0 - Prisoners in Australia, 2017 Quality Declaration 
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 08/12/2017   
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Sex

At 30 June 2017:
  • There were 37,905 male prisoners in Australian prisons, an increase of 6% (2,160 prisoners) from 30 June 2016. The number of female prisoners increased by 7% (205 prisoners) from 3,094 to 3,299 prisoners. (Table 2)

Graph Image for MALE PRISONERS, 30 June 2007 to 30 June 2017

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia



Graph Image for FEMALE PRISONERS, 30 June 2007 to 30 June 2017

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia


  • Since 30 June 2016, the national male imprisonment rate increased by 4% from 388 to 404 prisoners per 100,000 male adult population; while the female imprisonment rate also increased by 4% from 33 to 34 prisoners per 100,000 female adult population.
  • The Northern Territory had the highest imprisonment rate for both males (1,594 prisoners per 100,000 male adult population) and females (125 prisoners per 100,000 female adult population). The Australian Capital Territory had the lowest imprisonment rate for males (261 prisoners per 100,000 male adult population), whilst Tasmania had the lowest imprisonment rate for females (18 prisoners per 100,000 female adult population). (Table 15)

Graph Image for MALE IMPRISONMENT RATE(a), States and territories, 30 June 2007 to 30 June 2017

Footnote(s): (a) Rate per 100,000 male adult population. See Explanatory Notes, paragraphs 53-62.

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia



Graph Image for FEMALE IMPRISONMENT RATE(a), States and territories, 30 June 2007 to 30 June 2017

Footnote(s): (a) Rate per 100,000 female adult population. See Explanatory Notes, paragraphs 53-62.

Source(s): Prisoners in Australia


  • The most common offences/charges for male prisoners were:
    • Acts intended to cause injury (23%);
    • Illicit drug offences (14%); and
    • Sexual assault (12%).
  • The most common offences/charges for female prisoners were:
    • Illicit drug offences (21%);
    • Acts intended to cause injury (20%); and
    • Unlawful entry with intent (10%). (Table 1)