Imprisoned women numbers triple since 2005

New research has revealed that the number of women sentenced to imprisonment in Queensland has tripled in the past 17 years.

Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council (QSAC) research has revealed the alarming trend, which will be among the key findings on the agenda at its ‘Engendering Justice’ panel discussion on 17 August.

The event, at Brisbane Powerhouse’s Underground Theatre, will also share QSAC’s findings from its forthcoming report on the sentencing of women and girls in Queensland.

It will examine the myriad reasons why women and girls are coming into contact with Queensland’s criminal justice system.

QSAC, re-established in 2016, provides independent research and advice, seeks public views and promotes community understanding of criminal sentencing matters.

The panel discussion will be chaired by QSAC Deputy Chair and Griffith University Professor Elena Marchetti, with former Queensland Court of Appeal President and current Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce Chair Margaret McMurdo AC scheduled to deliver a keynote address.

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Other eminent women scheduled to appear as panellists at the event include:

  • Thelma Schwartz, Principal Legal Officer, Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service
  • Ruth O’Gorman QC, Barrister and Chair of Criminal Law Committee (Bar Association of Queensland)
  • Debbie Kilroy OAM, CEO Sisters Inside and QSAC member
  • Professor Thalia Anthony, Faculty of Law at University of Technology Sydney
  • Natalie Lewis, Queensland Family and Child Commissioner.

Registration is required for the free event. Places are limited as the event will run at half capacity to allow for social distancing. Wearing of masks is encouraged.

Learn more or register.

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