NCJ Number
86713
Date Published
1982
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The author argues that penal reform in Australia has been unsuccessful because the public believes in imprisonment, viewing the removal of criminals from society as its main function, and is apathetic toward prison conditions.
Abstract
While early 20th century reformers such as Sidney and Beatrice Webb called keeping people out of prisons altogether as the most helpful penal reform, prison rates in Australia have steadily increased since 1940. Government officials, the media, and surveys suggest that a major reason for this trend is public support for imprisoning criminals and disapproval of rehabilitation or community correctional schemes. Moreover, the Australian public has little interest in penal matters, as recently seen in the minimal attention given to the appointment of a conservative to the New South Wales Corrective Services Commission by the press and politicians. Historically, imprisonment's principal function has been simply removing the offender from society rather than any enthusiastic belief in prison as a penal method. Public concerns over escapes, parole practices, and temporary release programs indicate that this basic attitude still prevails, although surveys have also revealed some public support for increased rehabilitation-oriented treatment in prisons. No matter what political party is in power, correctional reform moves very slowly or not at all. The high costs of incarceration and overcrowding may stimulate some reforms, although the public remains unconcerned about the inhumane conditions within prisons. A special ombudsman is needed to investigate prisoners' complaints and undertake remedial action. Footnotes are included.