Max O.
Studies by
the Institute of Criminology have revealed a dramatic increase in the number of
Aboriginal deaths in custody. This has not reached the highs of the eighties
when the main cause of death in custody was self-harm, usually hanging. The
recent rise in prison deaths has been due to natural causes or in other words
neglect. Given that incarcerations across the board confine primarily the poor
and the marginalised we can expect that those entering prison are not brimming
with good health. The health problems associated with poverty and
marginalisation are well known and unless all persons taken into prisons,
particularly Aboriginal prisoners, are assessed on entry and any health
problems dealt with and monitored, deaths in custody from ‘natural’ causes will
increase, particularly as the level of incarceration rises as it is currently.
Why are Indigenous Deaths in Custody Rates
Rising?
The NSW
bureau of Crime Statistics and Research found that the adult imprisonment rate in
Australia rose by 37% between 2001 and 2008 (and by 48% in New South Wales).
These are amazing jumps which would suggest a dramatic increase in the levels of
offending. But not so. The N.S.W Bureau
found no increases in the levels of crime.
The increase according to their research is due to an increase in the number
of prison sentences being handed down, longer prison time ordered and less bail
offered. Tougher bail conditions
discriminate against Aboriginal and other marginalised groups because they cannot
so readily meet bail conditions such as stable accommodation and adequate
supervision.
Whilst the
level of incarceration across the board has increased the level of Aboriginal
incarceration has doubled over the last two decades. This flies in the face of the basic tenet
of the Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
Report which advocated alternatives to prison as a way of reducing deaths
in custody.
Taking the Children Away
The rate at
which Aboriginal juveniles are imprisoned is even more alarming. In Western Australia Aboriginal youth
comprises more than two thirds of minors in custody. In the Northern Territory 97% of those under eighteen
in prison are Aboriginal. Another report
by the N.S.W Institute of Technology reports that Aboriginal youth Australia-wide
are thirty-one times more likely to be imprisoned than non-Indigenous youth. With the Northern Territory achieving
economies of scale through what has been described as ‘spartan conditions’ imposed on prisoners one wonders just what
long term impact this high rate of juvenile removal from family and community
and these ‘spartan’ conditions are
having on the Aboriginal youth enjoying Her Majesty’s accommodation.
Keeping People out of Prison
Various organizations such as the Red Cross and prisoner support groups argue for lower and lesser prison sentences and suggest options ranging from community involvement in sentencing to court imposed electronic surveillance. Just the costs of imprisonment would suggest alternatives to imprisonment are the better option with the imprisonment of each individual prisoner costing thirteen to forty times more than non-custodial alternatives.
The Contradictions
Capitalism
is, of course, riddled with contradictions.
The contradiction here is between those who argue for alternatives to
prison for economic, moral or humane reasons and see prisons and prisoners as a
state responsibility, and those who profit from the privatisation of prisons.
The
privatisation of prisons is an increasing trend across the capitalist
world. Currently Australia has twelve
privatised prisons incarcerating
approximately 20% of Australia’s prisoners.
Discussions are well underway for more privatisations in Queensland and
New South Wales.
Maximising
profiteering from prisons requires that privately run prisons be filled to
capacity, thus their existence gives rise to powerful lobby groups agitating for
tougher and longer sentencing. These along with political parties popularising
‘get tough on crime’ policies dominate the air space, whilst those advocating public
ownership and alternatives to prison have trouble getting their voices heard.
A Government
Productivity Commission report found that privatised prisons are no cheaper to run
than those managed by the State and at approximately $269 per prisoner per day
(or $98,000 per year according to the Productivity Commission figures) the
percentage of this money spent in locking up juveniles in particular and minor
or moderate offenders would be better spent on preventative measures such as
tackling poverty and the increasing inequality in Australia.
Capital
roams the world looking for lucrative places to invest. Taxpayer funded prisons fit the bill. Capital is aided and abetted by compliant
governments all too willing to sell off Australia to the highest bidder. We need to take responsibility for our own
institutions, including prisons to ensure that all essential services serve the
Australian people not the profit aims of foreign capital.
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