On 26 November, Victorians go to the polls. Justice reform simply must be a priority under the next government. People in prison and their families can’t wait any longer for the changes they need to build new lives free from crime.

We’re calling on all candidates and parties to reveal their plan for a better justice system. One that stops relying on a carceral response to crime and starts investing in communities to address the chronic disadvantage and vulnerability that drives it.

The next government needs to bring Victoria’s prisons up to the human rights standards clearly mandated by international law. People in prison should get the treatment they need and have every opportunity to study, work, and strengthen their connections with family.

When we release people from prison to no income, no housing, and no support, we are setting them up to return to a lifestyle that is criminalised. We must provide long-term support that starts in prison and doesn’t end until people can thrive in their communities.

Our 12 priorities for the next government are grounded in the lived expertise of our participants and staff, and our comprehensive knowledge of the sector stretching back 150 years. You can find them in full here.