Overview

• Victoria's state budget will allocate $727 million to add nearly 1,000 adult prison beds, 88 youth justice beds, and hire additional corrections staff.
• The Northern Territory's first budget under the Country Liberal Party government dedicates over $500 million to expand prison infrastructure and meet rising demand from stricter bail laws.
• Victoria has reported a 22% increase in adult remand populations and a 71% surge in youth remand populations compared to the same period last year.
• Critics, including legal and social service groups, argue that the focus on punitive measures neglects investment in crime prevention, housing, health, and community support services.
• Amendments to the Corrections Act in Victoria introduce additional prison time for inmates convicted of assaulting or injuring custodial staff.