Hundreds of experts push for early release and other actions to protect prisoners from COVID-19

Introduction by Croakey: More than 360 justice and health advocates have signed an open letter urgently calling on Australian governments to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the Australian criminal justice system, especially prisons and youth detention centres.

They have called for the early release of some prisoners, including those at high risk of harm from COVID-19, such as people with pre-existing health conditions and older people, children and young people.

They have also called for early release of those detained for summary offences, such as unlawful driving, public disorder, and fine default, as well as for property crimes, non-violent drug offences, common assault, and breach of justice procedures. Early release should also be granted to those likely to be released in the next six months.

Decarceration is necessary to protect the health and well-being of prisoners and the wider community, says the letter, which was led by Professor Lorana Bartels, Program Leader of Criminology, Australian National University, and Professor Thalia Anthony,  Leader, Criminal Justice Cluster, University of Technology Sydney.

Signatories include former Western Australia Premier Peter Dowding and other ex-politicians, lawyers, Aboriginal health advocates, health, medical and legal academics, human rights advocates, and also the Chief Executive of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, Alison Verhoeven, and John Feneley, former NSW Mental Health Commissioner.

In Finland, short prison sentences are being postponed because of concerns about the impact of coronavirus, and in the United States, where cases have been reported among inmates, jails have begun releasing some prisoners to help reduce the risk to vulnerable groups. Outbreaks in prisons have occurred in China and other countries.

However, the only related announcement from today’s national cabinet meeting was that “each State’s and Territory’s adult correctional system will restructure personal prison visits to help manage the risk posed to prisoners and staff by the introduction of COVID-19 into custodial facilities. Depending on their operational needs, this may include stopping visits in some jurisdictions”.

Meanwhile, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) LTD (ATSILS) advises that all pre court and court circuits into the Torres Strait Islands, Northern Peninsula Area, Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape Regions, and now into the communities of Woorabinda, Yarrabah, Palm Island and Cherbourg have been suspended immediately due to COVID-19 concerns.

Open letter to Australian governments on COVID-19 and the criminal justice system

We the undersigned are seeking your immediate action to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the Australian criminal justice system, especially prisons and youth detention centres.

We know that COVID-19 spreads quickly in closed spaces and prisons are commonly epicentres for infectious diseases. This is particularly a concern where there is overcrowding, with most Australian prisons operating at over 100% of their design capacity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified overcrowding as a structural problem that contributes to the spread of infections in prisons.

In addition, many people who are incarcerated also have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma, which makes them vulnerable to more severe forms of COVID-19. Research on other diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis, shows rates of infection among incarcerated populations are up to 100 times higher than outside of prisons.

It is only a matter of time before COVID-19 breaks out in our prisons and youth detention centres. This will then have a substantial flow-on effect to the community, including community health services.

People are continually churning in and out of prisons and then being released to their communities. Significantly, 77% of people entering and 33% of people in prison are unsentenced and 30% of sentenced prisoners are expected to serve less than 12 months.

Failing to deal with COVID-19 in the criminal justice system will also have a disproportionate effect on vulnerable populations over-represented in prisons, namely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people from low socio-economic backgrounds; people experiencing homelessness; and people with disabilities.

Prisons experience a daily influx of correctional staff, health care workers, lawyers, educators, non-governmental support workers and visitors — all of whom can carry viral conditions at the prison back to their homes and communities and return the next day carrying them from home. In the current circumstances, it is unviable to preclude incarcerated people becoming infected with COVID-19 and spreading the virus beyond prison walls.

Healthcare in prisons is already overstretched, which creates a risk that people living and working in prisons will not be monitored regularly enough. Symptoms need to be addressed quickly. Isolating people suspected of having the virus will also be a major challenge.

People in prisons also may not be able to regularly wash their hands, which may promote the spread of disease. Hand sanitiser, which contains alcohol, may be considered contraband. Prisoners share bathrooms, laundry and areas where food is consumed. Most toilets do not have lids. Many cells are doubled-up and prisoners share rooms and cottages in low security prisons. Air circulation can be poor, as many windows do not open. Soap may only be available at a cost and many prisoners have no prison employment and no money for this.

To prevent prisons becoming COVID-19 hotspots, the only logical response is decarceration. This emergency measure is necessary to protect the health and well-being of prisoners and the wider community.

As the pandemic has widened, international measures have included Iran’s release of 85,000 prisoners, Ireland’s proposal to release prisoners with less than 12 months to serve and the proposed release of high-risk inmates from Rikers Island and elsewhere in the United States and United Kingdom.

Prisons are the remaining sphere of Australian society that is denied the protection of infection control standards. Prisoners are forced into a possible site of contagion with no choice over the prison facility, or cell-mates with whom they will be detained. Imprisonment should not involve forced subjection to a deadly infection. Overcrowded prisons are simply incapable of quarantining people. Policies need to be directed to releasing prisoners, and laws governing police, prosecution and judicial discretion need to be changed to prevent further imprisonment.

We are therefore calling on all Australian governments to, as a matter of urgency:

• Ensure prisoners are informed on the status of COVID-19 and their rights;
• Ensure compliance with international laws and the standards for health treatment of prisoners, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Rule 24) and the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners (Rule 9);
• Adopt, to the extent possible, best-practice sanitation (including alcohol-based sanitisers if necessary) and social distancing techniques to promote prisoner and staff safety;
• Support not-for-profit and government agencies to work with prisoners and their families to find them safe accommodation when they are released;
• Minimise the impact of restrictions on prisoners (e.g., frequent opportunities to communicate with family online, in the absence of face-to-face visits; increased access to and availability of phones; judicious approach to the use of solitary confinement);
• Minimise the use of resources on the detection and prosecution of non-violent offences that do not pose a significant risk to the community;
• Support bail and non-custodial penalties for all defendants who do not present a very high risk that cannot be managed in the community (e.g., through electronic monitoring), noting that stringent restrictions on daily movement are likely in any event;
• Legislate to require bail and sentencing courts to consider the risk that a current pandemic will present to the prisoner and their community upon release, with a view to promoting community-based options;
• Facilitate remote supervision of bail and community corrections;
• Provide additional support to victims, noting the likely increased risk of family violence for those in home quarantine conditions;
• Resource community legal centres, legal aid, Aboriginal legal services and prosecution agencies to facilitate remote interaction;
• Provide for the early release of prisoners, including: those at high risk of harm from COVID-19, including those with pre-existing health conditions and older people; children and young people; those detained for summary offences (e.g., unlawful driving; public disorder; fine default); property crimes; non-violent drug offences; common assault; and breach of justice procedures; and those who are likely to be released in the next six months.

Signatories

1. Dr Lorana Bartels Professor and Program Leader of Criminology, Australian National University (ANU), Adjunct Professor, University of Canberra and University of Tasmania
2. Dr Thalia Anthony Professor of Law and Leader, Criminal Justice Cluster, University of Technology Sydney
3. Karen Fletcher Managing Lawyer, Public Interest Law, Fitzroy Legal Service Inc
4. Dr Deirdre Howard-Wagner Associate Professor, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU
5. Dr Bronwyn Naylor Professor of Law, Graduate School of Business and Law, RMIT University
6. Dr Anna Olsen Senior Fellow, Social Foundations of Medicine, ANU
7. Dr Elena Marchetti Professor of Law, Griffith Law School, Griffith University
8. Dr Andrew Day Professor, School of Social and Political Sciences (Criminology), University of Melbourne
9. Dr Anthony Hopkins Associate Professor, College of Law, ANU
10. Giverney Ainscough PhD Candidate (Criminology), Centre for Social Methods and Research, ANU
11. Dr Jill Guthrie Senior Fellow, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, ANU
12. Dr Isabelle Bartkowiak-Théron Senior Researcher, Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies, University of Tasmania
13. Dr Jamie Walvisch Lecturer, Law Faculty, Monash University
14. Karen Fletcher Managing Lawyer, Public Interest Law, Fitzroy Legal Service Inc.
15. Natalie Ironfield PhD Candidate and Indigenous Teaching Specialist, Department of Criminology, University of Melbourne
16. Dr Ian Warren Senior Lecturer Criminology Deakin University
17. Dr Michael Doyle Senior Research Fellow, Centre of Research Excellence Indigenous Health and Alcohol, University of Sydney
18. Dr Kelly Richards Associate Professor, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology
19. Dr Monique Mann Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University
20. Dr Laura Bedford Lecturer in Criminology Deakin University
21. Dr Imogen Richards Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University
22. Dr Dave McDonald Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne
23. Dr Harry Blagg Professor of Criminology, Law School, University of Western Australia
24. Dr Diarmaid Harkin Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University
25. Dr Francis Markham Research Fellow, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU
26. David Brown Emeritus Professor, Law Faculty, UNSW Sydney
27. Dr Paul Simpson Research Fellow, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney
28. Dr Jane Bolitho Senior Lecturer in Criminology, UNSW Sydney
29. Dr Bree Carlton Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University
30. Nicole Spicer Consultant Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen Lawyer and sessional academic, Monash University
31. Sara Kowal Manager – Partnerships and Clinics, Capital Punishment Impact Initiative, Monash University
32. Dr Fiona Haines Professor of Criminology, University of Melbourne
33. Reece Walters Professor of Criminology, Deakin University
34. Dr Judy Putt Research Fellow, Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University Elizabeth Evatt AC International Commission of Jurists
35. Dr Mark Wood Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University
36. Sally Andersen Sessional lecturer, Law Faculty, Monash University
37. Susan Harris Rimmer Associate Professor of Law, Griffith University
38. Tessa Di Paolo Lawyer Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Law Specialists
39. Alana Reader Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Law Specialists
40. Dr Janet Chan Professor, Faculty of Law, UNSW Sydney
41. Fay Gertner Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University
42. Courtney Hart Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen, Criminal Law Specialists
43. Dr Robin Fitzgerald Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Queensland
44. Dr Robyn Blewer Lecturer in Law, Griffith University
45. Sarah Condon Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen, Criminal Law Specialists
46. Dr Anastasia Powell Associate Professor of Criminology & Justice Studies, RMIT University
47. Robyn Oxley Assistant Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University
48. Dr Jennifer Balint Associate Professor in Socio-Legal Studies, Criminology, University of Melbourne
49. Dr Claire Loughnan Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne
50. Lachlan Simpson Systems Administrator, UNSW
51. Ian Neil Manager, Pivot Support Services
52. Derai McDonald Criminology student, La Trobe University
53. Dr Marilyn McMahon Professor, School of Law, Deakin University
54. Leanne Weber Associate Professor of Criminology, Monash University
55. Gayle Jones Criminology student (MA), University of Auckland
56. Courtney McGregor Criminologist and Lead Investigation Consultant, Griffith University
57. Alumni/Queensland Investigations Dr Michelle Sydes Lecturer, School of Social Science, University of Queensland
58. Mary Riley Lecturer in Criminology and Justice, USC Australia
59. Dr Rob White Distinguished Professor of Criminology, University of Tasmania
60. Dr Karen Gelb Consultant criminologist and Lecturer, Department of Criminology, Melbourne University
61. Dr Faith Gordon Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University and Director of the International Youth Justice Network
62. Dr Melissa Jardine Board of Directors, Global Law Enforcement & Public Health Association
63. Lisanne Adam PhD Candidate (Criminal Justice and Corrections), RMIT University
64. Dr Kathryn Henne Professor and Director, School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU
65. Dr Megan Williams Research Lead and Assistant Director, National Centre for Cultural Competence, University of Sydney
66. Luke Mason Student, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
67. Rebecca Bunn PhD Candidate (Criminology), University of Melbourne
68. Dr Mai Sato Associate Professor, School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU
69. Jonathan Barreiro Barrister, Victorian Bar
70. Bill Doogue Doogue & George Defence Lawyers
71. Isabelle Skaburskis International Commission of Jurists (Victoria)
72. Dr Alison Young Francine V McNiff Professor of Criminology, University of Melbourne
73. Dr Eileen Baldry Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Equity, Diversion and Inclusion) and Professor of Criminology, UNSW Sydney
74. Dr Bianca Fileborn Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne
75. Dr Shelley Turner Senior Lecturer, Social Work, Monash University
76. Dr Stephen Gray Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Monash University
77. Carol Lawson PhD Candidate (Law), ANU
78. Dr Keiran Hardy Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
79. Greg Barns Barrister, Tasmanian Bar and former National President, Australian Lawyers Alliance
80. Jonathon Budgeon Lawyer and Deputy Chair, Prisoners Legal Service, Tasmania
81. Dr Mary Iliadis Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University
82. Dr Kate Burns Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University
83. Dr Julie Barkworth Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
84. Dr Alana Piper Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney
85. Elisa Buggy Executive Officer, Flat Out Inc.
86. Dee Giannopoulos Lawyer, Doogue & George Defence Lawyers
87. Dr Tarah Hodgkinson Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
88. Dr Martin Andresen Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
89. Mr William Barker Barrister, Victorian Bar
90. Kate Ballard Barrister, Victorian Bar
91. Hugo Moodie Barrister, Victorian Bar
92. David McDonald Director, Social Research & Evaluation Pty Ltd, FPHAA
93. Lucinda Thies Barrister, Victorian Bar
94. Lachlan Cameron Barrister, Victorian Bar
95. Maddy Grant Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen, Criminal Law Specialists
96. Karen Soldatic Associate Professor in Social Work, Western Sydney University
97. Katarina Ljubicic Barrister, Victoria Bar
98. Ross Homel Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
99. Loene Howes Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Tasmania
100. Nadine M Connell Associate Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Griffith University
101. Anthony Barker Criminology and Criminal Justice student, Griffith University
102. Rishi Nathwani Barrister, Victorian Bar
103. Kavita Raj Honours student, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
104. Dr Matthew Ball Associate Professor, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology
105. Dr Joe Graffam Emeritus Professor, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University
106. Dr Fran Gale Senior Lecturer, School of Social Science, Western Sydney University
107. Richard Harding Emeritus Professor, University of Western Australia
108. Kirstie Broadfield PhD Candidate, James Cook University
109. Dr Alyce McGovern Associate Professor of Criminology, UNSW Sydney
110. Dr Patrick Emerton Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University
111. Dr Emma Colvin Senior Lecturer, Centre for Law and Justice, Charles Sturt University
112. Emma Mitchell Student, Bachelor Laws (Hons) / Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
113. Dr Hannah McGlade Senior Indigenous Research Fellow, Curtin University
114. Dr Janet Hunt Associate Professor, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU
115. Dr Susanne Karstedt Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
116. Michael Levy AM Professor of Medicine, ANU
117. Ashlea Addamo Lawyer, Leanne Warren & Associates
118. Stuart Kinner Professor and Head, Justice Health Unit, University of Melbourne
119. Dr Jamal Barnes Lecturer in Criminology, Edith Cowan University
120. Rohan Lawrence Barrister, Victorian Bar
121. Dr Emma Campbell CEO, ACT Council of Social Service
122. Jeremy Boland CEO, Positive Youth Incorporated
123. Dr Tess Bartlett Research Fellow, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, Monash University
124. Farah Banihali Senior Lawyer, Victoria Legal Aid
125. George Newhouse Adjunct Professor of Law, Macquarie University
126. Dr Andy Kaladelfos Lecturer in Criminology, UNSW Sydney
127. Dr Cait Storr Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney
128. Dr Sarah Keenan Senior Lecturer, Birkbeck School of Law, University of London
129. Dr Marie Segrave Associate Professor of Criminology, Monash University
130. Dr Julia Dehm Lecturer, School of Law, La Trobe University
131. Dr Larissa Sandy Senior Lecturer, Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT University
132. Amanda Porter Alumna, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
133. Dr Rimple Mehta Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University
134. Prue Vines Professor in Law, UNSW
135. Jarrod Williams Barrister, Victorian Bar
136. Dr Tara Renae McGee Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
137. Dr William R Wood Senior Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
138. Dr Mick Hulbrook Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University
139. Bec Medhurst Online Course Facilitator, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, University of South Australia
140. Dr Marisela Velazquez Visiting Academic Researcher, James Cook University
141. Dr David Best Professor of Criminology, University of Derby; Honorary Professor, ANU
142. Dr Adam Masters Senior Lecturer in Criminology, ANU
143. Dr Angela Dwyer Associate Professor, Police Studies and Emergency Management, University of Tasmania
144. Robert Tickner Former Australian Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
145. Dr Jason Payne Associate Professor of Criminology, ANU
146. Mary Spiers Williams Lecturer, School of Law and Sub Dean Undergraduate Indigenous Studies, ANU
147. Adjunct Professor Eric Sidoti Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, Western Sydney University
148. Dr Jennifer Nielsen Associate Professor, School of Law & Justice, Southern Cross University
149. Michelle McDonnell National Co-ordinator, After Prison Network and Director of Advocacy, Justice- involved Young People Network
150. Dr Chris Martin Senior Research Fellow, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Sydney
151. John Feneley Former NSW Mental Health Commissioner
152. Kate Seear Associate Professor in Law, Monash University
153. Dr Kirrily Jordan Fellow, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU
154. Dr John Boersig CEO, Legal Aid ACT
155. Marcia Williams CEO, Women’s Centre for Health Matters
156. Dr Wilfred Prest Professor Emeritus of History and of Law, University of Adelaide
157. Dr Liz Campbell Francine V McNiff Professor of Criminal Jurisprudence, Monash University
158. Matthew Zagor Associate Professor in Law and Director, Law Reform & Social Justice, ANU
159. Dr Renae Fomiatti Research Officer, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University
160. Professor Mark Stoove Head of Public Health, Burnet Institute
161. Dr Carolyn Strange Professor of History, ANU
162. Dr Peter Higgs Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, La Trobe University
163. Dr George Dertadian Lecturer in Criminology, Centre for Crime, Law and Justice, UNSW
164. Dr Claire Spivakovsky Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne
165. Dr Stacy Tzoumakis Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
166. Dr Heather Douglas Professor, Law School, University of Queensland
167. John Braithwaite Emeritus Professor, ANU
168. Shelley Walker Burnet Institute; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University
169. Eddie Cubillo Senior Fellow, University of Melbourne, Law School
170. Dr Bridget Harris DECRA Fellow and Senior Lecturer, Queensland University of Technology
171. Dr Airdre Grant Lecturer, Southern Cross University
172. Susanna Locke Barrister, Victorian Bar
173. Dr Catherine Flynn Senior Lecturer, Monash University
174. Arie Freiberg Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University
175. Tom Kelly Former NSW Public Solicitor
176. Clare Conway Manager, Woden Community Services Housing Action Team
177. Penny Hill PhD candidate (Public Health), Monash University; Burnet Institute
178. Dr Madeleine Ulbrick Research Associate, Monash University
179. Dr Dylan Lino School of Law, University of Queensland
180. Susan Clarke-Lindfield Executive Director, Toora Women Inc.
181. Filip Djordjevic Research Assistant, Burnet Institute
182. Yasmin Mohamed Women’s and Children’s Health Specialist, Burnet Institute
183. Cassandra Generoso Lawyer, Leanne Warren & Associates
184. Chris Seaman PhD candidate (Disease Elimination), Burnet Institute
185. David Barrow Barrister, NSW
186. Scott Cromb Barrister, Victorian Bar
187. Dr Justin Barker Executive Director, Youth Coalition of the ACT
188. Dr Adrian Farrugia Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University
189. Dr Mindy Sotiri Director, Advocacy Policy and Research, Community Restorative Centre
190. Marcelle Burns Lecturer, School of Law, University of New England
191. Professor Felicity Gerry QC Crockett Chambers, Melbourne and Carmelite Chambers, London; Professor of Legal Practice, Deakin University
192. Reece Cossar PhD Candidate, Burnet Institute
193. Kylie Valentine Associate Professor and Research Director, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW
194. Pat Burton Research Associate, University of Tasmania
195. Emma Russell Senior Lecturer in Crime Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe University
196. Dr Michael Savic Senior Research Fellow (Addiction Studies), Monash University, & Strategic Lead, Clinical and Social Research, Turning Point, Eastern Health
197. Tom Battersby Barrister, Gorman Chambers
198. Dr Janet Ransley Professor and Director, Griffith Criminology Institute
199. Dr Julia Quilter Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong
200. Ashleigh Newnham Springvale Monash Legal Service
201. Dr Paul Dietze Professor, Burnet Institute
202. Tom Andrews Lecturer in Criminology, Law School, La Trobe University
203. Dr Maria Elander Senior Lecturer, Law School, La Trobe University
204. Lisa Papadinas Barrister, Victorian Bar
205. Dr Caroline Doyle Lecturer, UNSW Canberra and President, Prisoners Aid (ACT)
206. Emily Lenton La Trobe University, ANU
207. Ashleigh Stewart Research Assistant, Burnet Institute; PhD Student, Monash University
208. Dr Anita Mackay Senior Lecturer, Law School, La Trobe University Tract Rayner BA (Criminology) student, Griffith University
209. Dr Erica Millar Lecturer in Crime, Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe University
210. Jenny Crosbie Research Fellow, Deakin University
211. Dr Alison Gerard Professor and Director, Centre for Law and Justice, Charles Sturt University
212. Dr Pascale Chifflet Lecturer, Law School, La Trobe University
213. Dr Susanne Davies Associate Professor, Head of Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe University
214. Dr Ruth McCausland Senior Research Fellow, UNSW
215. Dr Adrian Evans Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University
216. Dr Maria Giannacopoulos Senior Lecturer in Socio-Legal Studies, Flinders University
217. Dr Michael Kilmister Learning Designer & Sessional Academic, University of Newcastle
218. Dr Kari Lancaster Senior Research Fellow and Scientia Fellow, UNSW
219. Dr Miranda Forsyth Associate Professor, School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU
220. Professor Carla Treloar Director, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney
221. Felicity Fox Barrister, Victorian Bar
222. Rebecca Wallis Associate Lecturer, TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland
223. Catherine Boston Barrister, Victorian Bar
224. Dr Alison Ritter Director, Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW
225. Dermot Dann QC Barrister, Victorian Bar
226. Dr Elizabeth Grant CF Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, RMIT University
227. Dr Molly Dragiewicz Associate Professor, Griffith University
228. Dr Penny Crofts Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney
229. Dr Caitlin Hughes Associate Professor, Centre for Crime Policy and Research, Flinders University
230. Dr Raul Sanchez Urribarri Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe University
231. Dr Fabian Cannizzo Lecturer in Sociology, La Trobe University
232. Dr Kirsty Duncanson Senior Lecturer, Crime, Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe University
233. Guy Gilbert SC Barrister, Victorian Bar
234. Elizabeth Radulski PhD Candidate, Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe University
235. Dr Julie Kimber Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Science, Swinburne University of Technology
236. Dr Tarryn Phillips Senior Lecturer, Crime, Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe University
237. Naomi Gould Senior Solicitor, Canberra Community Law
238. Dr Aidan Craney Lecturer, Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe University
239. Sophie Trevitt Solicitor and Justice Coordinator of In My Blood It Runs, Australian Capital Territory
240. Alexandra Palk Senior Solicitor and Tribunal Advocate, Canberra Community Law
241. Farzana Choudhury Senior Solicitor, Canberra Community Law
242. Parastou Hatami Supervising Solicitor, Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program
243. Dr Julie Rudner Convenor, Community Planning and Development, La Trobe University
244. Steven Caruana Coordinator, Australia OPCAT Network
245. Stephanie Curtis Master of Applied Epidemiology scholar, Burnet Institute, Alfred Health and ANU
246. Carrie Fowlie Chief Executive Officer, Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA)
247. Zoe Neumayer Lawyer, Central Land Council
248. Sarah Paddick Architect, Total Space Design
249. Megan Casey Barrister, Victorian Bar
250. Dr Anton Symkovych Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne
251. Ruth Parker Principal Lawyer, Galbally Parker Lawyers
252. John Killick Author
253. Suzan Cox OAM QC Director, NT Legal Aid Commission
254. Jill Faulkner Manager, Women Transforming Justice (project of Fitzroy Legal Service)
255. Debbie Kilroy CEO, Sisters Inside
256. Dr Nicholas Herriman Senior Lecturer, Anthropology, La Trobe University
257. Julian McMahon AC SC Barrister, Victorian Bar; President, Capital Punishment Justice Project
258. Michelle Barclay Solicitor, ACT
259. Professor David Jones School of Architecture & Built Environment, Deakin University
260. Dr Diana Johns Senior Lecturer in Criminology, School of Social & Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
261. Dr Jake Rance Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney
262. Dr Anastasia Kanjere Sessional academic, Monash University; La Trobe University
263. Dr Jeremy Ryder Tutor in Criminal Justice, University of South Australia
264. Emma Towney Solicitor, Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program, Canberra Community Law
265. Julian R Murphy PhD Student (Law), University of Melbourne
266. Michael Curtis PhD candidate (Public Health), Monash University; Burnet Institute
267. Dr Melissa de Vel-Palumbo Lecturer in Criminology, Flinders University
268. Rob Hulls Director, Centre for Innovative Justice, RMIT University
269. Emma Phillips Deputy Director & Principal Solicitor, Queensland Advocacy Incorporated
270. Dr Peta Malins Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT University
271. Angela Sharpley Barrister, Victorian Bar
272. Mehera San Roque Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, UNSW
273. Jonathon Hunyor CEO, Public Interest Advocacy Centre
274. Dr Tamara Walsh Professor of Law, University of Queensland
275. Heather Anderson Lawyer, David Barrese & Associates
276. Amber Karanikolas PhD Candidate (Social Inquiry), La Trobe University
277. Nicholas Smith Senior Lecturer in Anthropology, La Trobe
278. Bernie Matthews Author
279. Sarah-Jane Olsen Executive Officer, Hepatitis ACT
280. Liz Barrett Research Officer, Drug Policy Modelling Program, UNSW
281. Melanie Walker CEO, Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL)
282. Ruth Barson Executive Director, Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC)
283. Dr Brian Turner Executive member, Prisoners Aid (ACT)
284. Natasha Jayasuriya Lawyer, Leanne Warren & Associates
285. Dr Zoe Staines Research Fellow in Criminology and Sociology, University of Queensland
286. Julie Andrews Senior Lecturer in Aboriginal Studies, La Trobe University
287. Katie Wright Associate Professor of Sociology, La Trobe University
288. Kate Driscoll Lecturer, Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT
289. Chris Davies Lawyer, Prison Law Program, Fitzroy Legal Service
290. Dr Rod Broadhurst Professor School of Regulation and Global Governance ANU
291. Hui Zhou Principal Lawyer, Legal Practice, Fitzroy Legal Service
292. Rebecca Kavanagh President, Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action
293. Dr Andreas Schloenhardt Professor of Criminal Law, University of Queensland and University of Vienna
294. Dr Natalia Hanley Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Wollongong
295. Dr Shelley Bielefeld Senior Lecturer/ARC DECRA Fellow, Griffith University
296. Jon Stanhope AO Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
297. Michael Colbung Lecturer, Director of Indigenous Learning, School of Education, University of Adelaide
298. Nicole L Asquith Associate Professor of Policing and Criminal Justice, Western Sydney University
299. Alexis Apostolellis CEO, Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)
300. Elena Pappas Director, Law and Advocacy Centre for Women Ltd
301. Alison Verhoeven Chief Executive, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association
302. Dr Luke Bearup School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU
303. Lyn Dundon Advocacy and Campaigns Manager Financial Counselling Victoria
304. Poppy de Souza Research Fellow, Griffith University
305. Dr Jack Wallace Postgraduate Research Fellow, Burnet Institute
306. Dr Andrew Goldsmith Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Criminology, Flinders University
307. Prof Irene Watson Pro Vice Chancellor, Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy, University of South Australia
308. Dr Rick Sarre Professor and Dean of Law, University of South Australia
309. John Murray Foundation Member, Positive Justice Centre
310. Robyn Lincoln Assistant Professor in Criminology, Bond University
311. Dr Meredith Rossner Professor of Criminology, Centre for Social Research and Methods, ANU
312. Claudia Fatone CEO, Fitzroy Legal Service
313. Scott Wilson CEO, Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Council SA
314. Michelle O’Flynn Director, Queensland Advocacy Incorporated
315. Don McCrae CEO, JusTas
316. Larry Pierce Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies
317. Yvette Holt Casual lecturer in Criminal Law and Procedure, Southern Cross University
318. Nancy Grunwald Barrister, Victorian Bar
319. Dr Julie Nichols Lecturer, School of Art, Architecture and Design, University of South Australia
320. Lucien Richter Barrister, Victorian Bar
321. Lachlan Hocking Senior Lawyer, Victoria Legal Aid
322. Tanja Dreher Associate Professor, School of Arts and Media, UNSW
323. Jane Dicka Drug Overdose Peer Educator Manager, Harm Reduction Victoria
324. Maggie Ball PA to the Dean of Law, University of South Australia
325. Dr David Bartholomeusz Medical Practitioner, Nudgee Beach, Queensland
326. Gabriela Franich Tutor in Criminology, RMIT University
327. Odette Shenfield Outreach lawyer, Fitzroy Legal Service
328. Mary Ellen Harrod CEO, NSW Users and AIDS Association
329. Dr Rachel Loney-Howes Lecturer in Criminology, University of Wollongong
330. Erin Fradd Lawyer, Fitzroy Legal Service Emily Male Client Services Officer, Fitzroy Legal Service
331. Emma Golledge Director, Kingsford Legal Centre
332. Dr Suzanne Reich Program Director and Senior Lecturer (Criminology and Criminal Justice), University of Southern Queensland
333. Julie Stubbs Professor and co-Director of the Centre for Crime, Law and Justice, UNSW
334. Dr Sarah Woodland Research Fellow, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music (Performing Arts in Prisons), University of Melbourne
335. Dr Georgine Clarsen Associate Professor of History, University of Wollongong
336. Karly Warner CEO, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited
337. Moya O’Brien Barrister, Victorian Bar
338. Dr David Lemmings Professor of History (retd.), University of Adelaide
339. Bhiamie Williamson Research Associate and PhD Candidate, ANU
340. Dr Russell Marks Senior Lawyer, Queensland Advocacy Incorporated
341. Deborah Brown Office Administrator, Fitzroy Legal Service
342. Dr RV Gundur Lecturer in Criminology, Flinders University
343. Dr David Carter Lecturer in Law, University of Technology Sydney
344. Shaun Wigley Sessional Staff Member, Law School, Griffith University
345. Lisa Billington PhD (Law), University of Technology Sydney
346. Dr Tracey Booth Associate Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney
347. Gai Walker SCALES Community Legal Centre, Rockingham, Western Australia
348. Dr Anthony Collins Lecturer in Social Inquiry, La Trobe University
349. Michael White Executive Officer, SA Network of Drug and Alcohol Services (SANDAS)
350. Katherine Biber Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney
351. Dr Angela Higginson Senior Lecturer, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology
352. Bill Bush President, Families & Friends for Drug Law Reform
353. Louisa Tamala Alcohol and other drug counsellor, Star Health
354. Dr Hilde Tubex Associate Professor, University of Western Australia
355. Dr Ibolya Losoncz Researcher, School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU
356. Kerry Weste President, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights
357. Dr Gavin Smith Associate Professor, Sociology, ANU
358. Dr Caroline Spiranovic Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Tasmania
359. Sam Biondo Executive Officer, Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association
360. Rebecca Hiscock Associate Lecturer, Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT
361. Dr James Petty Project Officer – Special Projects, Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association
362. Georgie Sutton Policy and Governance Officer, Central Land Council
363. Lidia Thorpe Indigenous Lead, Amnesty International Australia
364. Peter Dowding SC Former Premier of Western Australia
365. Nerita Waight, NATSILS cochair
366. Cheryl Axleby, NATSILS cochair

     See open letter for any updated details.