We are indebted to those who have shown their support for #jailingisfailing since we first launched, and are thrilled that we can now add a further avenue for you to support the campaign. donations are LIVE!

Life in prison entrenches disadvantage and makes future offending and a return to prison more likely, not less. So to mark Gravy Day tomorrow, why don't you check out our new position paper on prisons in Australia?👉

Access to effective and culturally meaningful support before and after release from prison is critical to preventing a cycle of reincarceration. Download our new position paper to discover the pathways towards a better justice system:

The Queensland Government’s ‘Making Qld Safer Bill’ blatantly breaches domestic and international human rights standards and risks pulling children deeper into a failing punitive legal system. Read more in our media release:

Moving children away from their families and support systems reduces their chances of escaping the cycle of reincarceration.

As the number of imprisoned children climbs in some states, Tasmania is helping to lead the country with its approach to youth justice. This week saw the release of the Youth Justice Reform Taskforce Action Plan 2024-25 - read the plan here:

Shuffling people between prisons or adding extra beds will not solve the underlying issues behind the Northern Territory's overcrowding crisis. Read more in our media release:

Supporting children’s positive development in the community is far more effective in preventing youth crime than punitive 'tough' policies. New Australian research has underscored the importance of early childhood education 👇

The NT already imprisons far more people than anywhere else in Australia - it's time for a smarter, evidence-based approach.

The NT Government's announcement of 1000 new prison beds will not break cycles of reincarceration or reduce crime – it will do the opposite. Read more in our media release:

'Tougher' laws that pull more people into the criminal justice system don't reduce crime or make the community safer - we need meaningful investment in proven preventative and diversion programs to make a difference. Stand with us: sign up here

We're standing with organisations across the Northern Territory to urge the NT Government to reconsider regressive justice laws being introduced to Parliament this week. 1/2

"The criminalisation of young children with experiences of poverty, disability, poor health, low levels of education and exposure to harm is a legacy the NT can no longer perpetuate." .An important report on 10 to 13 year olds imprisoned in the NT.

Thousands of other children around Australia need the same level of support - jailing is failing these kids, and we need a new approach. Read the full story here and add your voice for a smarter way:

In prison at 11, Tyson was one of the lucky ones to escape the criminal justice system through eventual contact with BackTrack Youth Works. "It’s a sort of merry-go-round," he tells the Sydney Morning Herald. "Once you’re on it, it’s so hard to get off." 1/2

We’re delighted to be at Parliament House this morning, co-hosting a major event with National Children’s Commissioner @AnneHollonds. We’re highlighting the urgent need for systems reform and for child justice to be made a national priority. Read more:

Our response to the NT Government's announcement of further bail amendments and greater stop and search powers for police - including permitting wanding in schools. Show policymakers you support evidence-based policy:

“We can arrest them until the cows come home but there has to be a better way.” Wise words from Victoria Police - it's time for a smarter approach to youth crime. More via John Silvester, who digs into Scotland's dramatic turnaround.

Insightful piece from the Productivity Commission today on the overwhelming evidence that shows locking up more children does not reduce youth crime - it actually has the opposite result. Add your voice -

The move recognises the urgent need for Commonwealth leadership to address Australia’s failing youth justice systems. We congratulate Senator David Shoebridge and Senator Dorinda Cox for bringing this motion to the Senate and driving systems change.

Australia’s first nationwide inquiry into youth justice and incarceration is a significant and welcome milestone in efforts to make child justice, safety, and well-being a national priority. Read more in our media release: