In Victoria, 43.6% of prisoners released during 2018–19 returned to prison within two years (to 2020–21). This rate is slightly lower than the Australian rate of 45.2%. The Northern Territory had the highest rate at 58.9%, and South Australia had the lowest rate at 33.2%.
The rate of people returning to prison following release is one measure of recidivism or repeat criminal activity. Another measure of recidivism is the proportion of prisoners who return to corrective services. This measure includes people who return to prison as well as people who are subsequently placed on community orders.
Of the prisoners released during 2018–19 in Victoria, 52.5% returned to corrective services in the two years to 2020–21. This was similar to the national rate of 53.1%.
Percentage of prisoners released during 2018–19 who returned to prison within two years
Hover over a bar in the graph to display the percentage of prisoners who returned to corrective services for each state and territory. The vertical line shows the national rate.
| Jurisdiction | Percentage of prisoners returning to prison | Percentage of prisoners returning to corrective services |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Territory | 58.9% | 61.1% |
| New South Wales | 51.5% | 58.7% |
| Tasmania | 50.4% | 59.3% |
| Victoria | 43.6% | 52.5% |
| Queensland | 42.6% | 51.6% |
| Australian Capital Territory | 38.5% | 63.4% |
| Western Australia | 35.4% | 43.1% |
| South Australia | 33.2% | 39.3% |
| Australia | 45.2% | 53.1% |
Source: Australian Productivity Commission, Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision, Report on Government Services 2022, Part C, Table CA.4 (2022).
