Asks about predicted increase in adult and juvenile detention numbers due to changes to home burglary and three-strikes legislation. The answer acknowledges a likely increase but avoids providing specific figures, citing the complexity of predicting offending behaviour and investment in diversionary programs.

AnsweredQoN 197Legislative Council
Asked
13 March 2014
Portfolio
Corrective Services

QuestionView source ↗

CRIMINAL LAW AMENDMENT (HOME BURGLARY AND OTHER
OFFENCES) BILL 2014
197. Hon AMBER-JADE SANDERSON to the
Attorney General representing the Minister for Corrective Services:
I refer to the announcement by the
Attorney General and the Minister for Police of new home invasion laws and
changes to the three-strikes burglary legislation.
(1) What number
of additional adult prisoners does departmental modelling predict will enter
the prison system as a result of these laws in 2013–14, 2014–15,
2015–16 and 2016–17?
(2) What number
of additional juvenile detainees does departmental modelling predict will enter
the detention system as a result of these laws in 2013–14, 2014–15,
2015–16 and 2016–17?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The
Department of Corrective Services has conducted some preliminary modelling that
shows that the changes are expected to cause an increase in the prison population.
The government's priority with these changes is the victims of crime
and ensuring community safety. The impact of the changes to these sentencing
laws is difficult to predict because offending behaviours are predicated on a
range of factors. It is also worth noting that the government is also investing
in diversionary programs.

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