Musical Dispatch from the Front – Justice – February 2026
Frank Baarda
Hola
On 3rd February the Productivity Commission released Part C Justice (includes police, courts and corrective services) of the 2026 Report on Government Services
Once again, we in the Northern Territory can take warped pride. Thanks to our Indigenous population we are the clear winners!
In 2024-25 the national daily average of incarcerated people was a record 45,526 which translates into 210.8 per 100,000 population. This varied between jurisdictions from 107.8 to 343.0 (WA) per 100,000. The NT a clear winner:
1325.1 per 100,000 population!
App 88% of prisoners in the NT are Indigenous. Over 45% of prisoners are on remand.
Nationally there were 264 Full Time Equivalent Operational police per 100,000 population. This varied between jurisdictions from 208 to 295 with the exception of the NT at 767!!! Another gold medal!
Keep in mind, crime rates and incarceration can be boosted by legislation such as restrictions on public assemblies and tightening of bail laws.
It’s a moot point as to what extent over-policing is a factor in over-incarceration.
Also keep in mind the prisoners and police are not numbers. They are people.
From Argentina:
Justice what has happened to you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQm6U2zIQkU&list=RDHQm6U2zIQkU&start_radio=1
♫ ♫ ♫ Que te ha pasado justicia
Chau
Frank