A new report from the Productivity Commission reveals that Canberra's daily cost per prisoner remains the highest in Australia, at almost $465 in 2012-13, compared to the national average of $297.
The report, which examines criminal reoffending and justice system expenditure, also shows that nearly half of ACT adult prisoners reoffend within two years of release. ACT Corrective Services Minister Shane Rattenbury said the government is working to reduce repeat offending through programs like Throughcare, which supports prisoners after release.
Canberra Liberals spokesman Andrew Wall called for a review of prison expenditure, stating that taxpayers need to know they are getting value for money. The report notes that data on reoffending is difficult to interpret, as low rates may indicate effective discouragement, while higher rates can reflect effective policing.
The ACT also has the highest rates of physical and sexual assault in the country, with over 4,700 assaults per 100,000 people and 547 sexual assaults per 100,000 people. However, the report urges caution due to large standard errors in the data.
On a positive note, the ACT Supreme Court has reduced its backlog, with criminal matters pending falling by over 40% last financial year. Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said reforms to reduce court waiting times are showing results. The report also found that only 33% of ACT residents feel safe on public transport at night, the highest percentage in the country.
