INCorrections Network
Coalition Qld (INCQ)

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INCorrections Network Coalition Qld (INCQ)
Formerly known as the State INCorrections Network

NO VAGRANCY : an examination of the impact of the criminal justice system on people living in poverty in Queensland
Tamara Walsh / University of Queenland

This report investigates the extent to which people living in poverty interact with, and are affected by, the workings of the criminal justice system in Queensland. The investigation has engaged directly with the poor and with a range of professionals within this system. The focus on interactions with the police, the courts and corrective services is shown to be important given the excessive and negative experiences of those living in poverty with all elements of the criminal justice system, and particularly with the police. These experiences may encourage people to believe that they are of little worth, unwanted or beyond redemption. When the impact of the criminal justice system is disproportionately centred on a low socio-economic group then human rights are likely to be transgressed, community safety compromised, and democracy threatened.

The aims of the project were to document the interface between poverty and the criminal justice system; to provide a nuanced understanding of why these interactions occur; and to make recommendations that will be constructive and helpful. We expect that the report will be of significant value to elected and non-elected public officials, and members of the community, who are concerned about the manner in which the criminal justice system is operating as opposed to how it might be operating. It will be important to gain support and understanding at Cabinet level if we are to prevent the generation of an underclass which is distressingly familiar with the police, the courts and corrective services.

The report was commissioned by UnitingCare Centre for Social Justice, Sisters Inside, Centacare Pastoral Services, Brisbane Catholic Education, Queensland Shelter, Queensland Council for Social Services, Red Cross, Prisoners’ Legal Service, Youth Affairs Network of Queensland, Deception Bay Community Youth Programs, and Queensland Alliance.

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