Open letter to Australian governments on COVID-19 and the criminal justice system We the undersigned are seeking your immediate action to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the Australian criminal justice system, especially prisons and youth detention centres. We know that COVID-19 spreads quickly in closed spaces and prisons are commonly epicentres for infectious diseases. This is particularly a concern where there is overcrowding, with most Australian prisons operating at over 100% of their design capacity. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified overcrowding as a structural problem that contributes to the spread of infections in prisons. In addition, many people who are incarcerated also have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma, which makes them vulnerable to more severe forms of COVID-19. Research on other diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis, shows rates of infection among incarcerated populations are up to 100 times higher than outside of prisons. It is only a matter of time before COVID-19 breaks out in our prisons and youth detention centres. This will then have a substantial flow-on effect to the community, including community health services. People are continually churning in and out of prisons and then being released to their communities. Significantly, 77% of people entering and 33% of people in prison are unsentenced and 30% of sentenced prisoners are expected to serve less than 12 months. Failing to deal with COVID-19 in the criminal justice system will also have a disproportionate effect on vulnerable populations over-represented in prisons, namely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people from low socio-economic backgrounds; people experiencing homelessness; and people with disabilities. Prisons experience a daily influx of correctional staff, health care workers, lawyers, educators, non-governmental support workers and visitors — all of whom can carry viral conditions at the prison back to their homes and communities and return the next day carrying them from home. In the current circumstances, it is unviable to preclude incarcerated people becoming infected with COVID-19 and spreading the virus beyond prison walls. Healthcare in prisons is already overstretched, which creates a risk that people living and working in prisons will not be monitored regularly enough. Symptoms need to be addressed quickly. Isolating people suspected of having the virus will also be a major challenge. People in prisons also may not be able to regularly wash their hands, which may promote the spread of disease. Hand sanitiser, which contains alcohol, may be considered contraband. Prisoners share bathrooms, laundry and areas where food is consumed. Most toilets do not have lids. Many cells are doubled-up and prisoners share rooms and cottages in low security prisons. Air circulation can be poor, as many windows do not open. Soap may only be available at a cost and many prisoners have no prison employment and no money for this. To prevent prisons becoming COVID-19 hotspots, the only logical response is decarceration. This emergency measure is necessary to protect the health and well-being of prisoners and 1 the wider community. As the pandemic has widened, international measures have included Iran’s release of 85,000 prisoners, Ireland’s proposal to release prisoners with less than 12 months to serve and the proposed release of high-risk inmates from Rikers Island and elsewhere in the United States and United Kingdom. Prisons are the remaining sphere of Australian society that is denied the protection of infection control standards. Prisoners are forced into a possible site of contagion with no choice over the prison facility, or cell-mates with whom they will be detained. Imprisonment should not involve forced subjection to a deadly infection. Overcrowded prisons are simply incapable of quarantining people. Policies need to be directed to releasing prisoners, and laws governing police, prosecution and judicial discretion need to be changed to prevent further imprisonment. We are therefore calling on all Australian governments to, as a matter of urgency: • Ensure prisoners are informed on the status of COVID-19 and their rights; • Ensure compliance with international laws and the standards for health treatment of prisoners, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Rule 24) and the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners (Rule 9); • Adopt, to the extent possible, best-practice sanitation (including alcohol-based sanitisers if necessary) and social distancing techniques to promote prisoner and staff safety; • Support not-for-profit and government agencies to work with prisoners and their families to find them safe accommodation when they are released; • Minimise the impact of restrictions on prisoners (e.g., frequent opportunities to communicate with family online, in the absence of face-to-face visits; increased access to and availability of phones; judicious approach to the use of solitary confinement); • Minimise the use of resources on the detection and prosecution of non-violent offences that do not pose a significant risk to the community; • Support bail and non-custodial penalties for all defendants who do not present a very high risk that cannot be managed in the community (e.g., through electronic monitoring), noting that stringent restrictions on daily movement are likely in any event; • Legislate to require bail and sentencing courts to consider the risk that a current pandemic will present to the prisoner and their community upon release, with a view to promoting community-based options; • Facilitate remote supervision of bail and community corrections; • Provide additional support to victims, noting the likely increased risk of family violence for those in home quarantine conditions; • Resource community legal centres, legal aid, Aboriginal legal services and prosecution agencies to facilitate remote interaction; • Provide for the early release of prisoners, including: o those at high risk of harm from COVID-19, including those with pre-existing health conditions and older people; o children and young people; o those detained for summary offences (e.g., unlawful driving; public disorder; fine default); property crimes; non-violent drug offences; common assault; and breach of justice procedures; and o those who are likely to be released in the next six months. 2 Dr Lorana Bartels Dr Thalia Anthony Karen Fletcher Professor and Program Leader of Criminology, Australian National University (ANU); Adjunct Professor, University of Canberra and University of Tasmania Professor of Law and Leader, Criminal Justice Cluster, University of Technology Sydney Managing Lawyer, Public Interest Law, Fitzroy Legal Service Inc Dr Deirdre Howard-Wagner Associate Professor, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU Dr Bronwyn Naylor Professor of Law, Graduate School of Business and Law, RMIT University Dr Anna Olsen Senior Fellow, Social Foundations of Medicine, ANU Dr Elena Marchetti Professor of Law, Griffith Law School, Griffith University Dr Andrew Day Professor, School of Social and Political Sciences (Criminology), University of Melbourne Dr Anthony Hopkins Associate Professor, College of Law, ANU Giverney Ainscough PhD Candidate (Criminology), Centre for Social Methods and Research, ANU Dr Jill Guthrie Senior Fellow, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, ANU Dr Isabelle Bartkowiak-Théron Senior Researcher, Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies, University of Tasmania Dr Jamie Walvisch Lecturer, Law Faculty, Monash University Karen Fletcher Managing Lawyer, Public Interest Law, Fitzroy Legal Service Inc. Natalie Ironfield PhD Candidate and Indigenous Teaching Specialist, Department of Criminology, University of Melbourne Senior Lecturer Criminology Deakin University Dr Ian Warren Dr Michael Doyle Senior Research Fellow, Centre of Research Excellence Indigenous Health and Alcohol, University of Sydney Dr Kelly Richards Associate Professor, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology Dr Monique Mann Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University Dr Laura Bedford Lecturer in Criminology Deakin University Dr Imogen Richards Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University Dr Dave McDonald Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne Dr Harry Blagg Professor of Criminology, Law School, University of Western Australia Dr Diarmaid Harkin Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University Dr Francis Markham Research Fellow, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU David Brown Dr Paul Simpson Emeritus Professor, Law Faculty, UNSW Sydney Research Fellow, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney Dr Jane Bolitho Senior Lecturer in Criminology, UNSW Sydney Dr Bree Carlton Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University Nicole Spicer Consultant Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen Lawyer and sessional academic, Monash University Manager – Partnerships and Clinics, Capital Punishment Impact Initiative, Monash University Sara Kowal Dr Fiona Haines Professor of Criminology, University of Melbourne Reece Walters Professor of Criminology, Deakin University Dr Judy Putt Research Fellow, Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University Elizabeth Evatt AC Dr Mark Wood International Commission of Jurists Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University Sally Andersen Sessional lecturer, Law Faculty, Monash University Susan Harris Rimmer Associate Professor of Law, Griffith University 3 Tessa Di Paolo Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Law Specialists Alana Reader Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Law Specialists Dr Janet Chan Professor, Faculty of Law, UNSW Sydney Fay Gertner Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University Courtney Hart Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen, Criminal Law Specialists Dr Robin Fitzgerald Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Queensland Dr Robyn Blewer Lecturer in Law, Griffith University Sarah Condon Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen, Criminal Law Specialists Dr Anastasia Powell Robyn Oxley Associate Professor of Criminology & Justice Studies, RMIT University Assistant Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University Dr Jennifer Balint Associate Professor in Socio-Legal Studies, Criminology, University of Melbourne Dr Claire Loughnan Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne Lachlan Simpson Systems Administrator, UNSW Ian Neil Manager, Pivot Support Services Derai McDonald Dr Marilyn McMahon Criminology student, La Trobe University Professor, School of Law, Deakin University Leanne Weber Associate Professor of Criminology, Monash University Gayle Jones Criminology student (MA), University of Auckland Courtney McGregor Criminologist and Lead Investigation Alumni/Queensland Investigations Dr Michelle Sydes Mary Riley Lecturer, School of Social Science, University of Queensland Lecturer in Criminology and Justice, USC Australia Dr Rob White Distinguished Professor of Criminology, University of Tasmania Dr Karen Gelb Consultant criminologist and Lecturer, Department of Criminology, Melbourne University Dr Faith Gordon Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University and Director of the International Youth Justice Network Dr Melissa Jardine Board of Directors, Global Law Enforcement & Public Health Association Lisanne Adam PhD Candidate (Criminal Justice and Corrections), RMIT University Dr Kathryn Henne Professor and Director, School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU Dr Megan Williams Research Lead and Assistant Director, National Centre for Cultural Competence, University of Sydney Luke Mason Rebecca Bunn Student, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University PhD Candidate (Criminology), University of Melbourne Dr Mai Sato Associate Professor, School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU Jonathan Barreiro Barrister, Victorian Bar Bill Doogue Doogue & George Defence Lawyers Isabelle Skaburskis Dr Alison Young International Commission of Jurists (Victoria) Francine V McNiff Professor of Criminology, University of Melbourne Dr Eileen Baldry Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Equity, Diversion and Inclusion) and Professor of Criminology, UNSW Sydney Dr Bianca Fileborn Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne Dr Shelley Turner Senior Lecturer, Social Work, Monash University Dr Stephen Gray Carol Lawson Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Monash University PhD Candidate (Law), ANU Dr Keiran Hardy Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Greg Barns Barrister, Tasmanian Bar and former National President, Australian Lawyers Alliance 4 Consultant, Griffith University Jonathon Budgeon Lawyer and Deputy Chair, Prisoners Legal Service, Tasmania Dr Mary Iliadis Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin University Dr Kate Burns Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University Dr Julie Barkworth Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Dr Alana Piper Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney Elisa Buggy Executive Officer, Flat Out Inc. Dee Giannopoulos Lawyer, Doogue & George Defence Lawyers Dr Tarah Hodgkinson Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Dr Martin Andresen Mr William Barker Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Barrister, Victorian Bar Kate Ballard Barrister, Victorian Bar Hugo Moodie Barrister, Victorian Bar David McDonald Director, Social Research & Evaluation Pty Ltd, FPHAA Lucinda Thies Barrister, Victorian Bar Lachlan Cameron Maddy Grant Barrister, Victorian Bar Lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen, Criminal Law Specialists Karen Soldatic Associate Professor in Social Work, Western Sydney University Katarina Ljubicic Barrister, Victoria Bar Ross Homel Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Loene Howes Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Tasmania Nadine M Connell Anthony Barker Associate Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Griffith University Criminology and Criminal Justice student, Griffith University Rishi Nathwani Barrister, Victorian Bar Kavita Raj Honours student, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Dr Matthew Ball Associate Professor, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology Dr Joe Graffam Emeritus Professor, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University Dr Fran Gale Senior Lecturer, School of Social Science, Western Sydney University Richard Harding Emeritus Professor, University of Western Australia Kirstie Broadfield PhD Candidate, James Cook University Dr Alyce McGovern Associate Professor of Criminology, UNSW Sydney Dr Patrick Emerton Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University Dr Emma Colvin Emma Mitchell Senior Lecturer, Centre for Law and Justice, Charles Sturt University Student, Bachelor Laws (Hons) / Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Dr Hannah McGlade Senior Indigenous Research Fellow, Curtin University Dr Janet Hunt Associate Professor, , Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU Dr Susanne Karstedt Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Michael Levy AM Ashlea Addamo Professor of Medicine, ANU Lawyer, Leanne Warren & Associates Stuart Kinner Professor and Head, Justice Health Unit, University of Melbourne Dr Jamal Barnes Lecturer in Criminology, Edith Cowan University Rohan Lawrence Barrister, Victorian Bar Dr Emma Campbell CEO, ACT Council of Social Service Jeremy Boland Dr Tess Bartlett CEO, Positive Youth Incorporated Research Fellow, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, Monash University 5 Farah Banihali Senior Lawyer, Victoria Legal Aid George Newhouse Adjunct Professor of Law, Macquarie University Dr Andy Kaladelfos Lecturer in Criminology, UNSW Sydney Dr Cait Storr Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney Dr Sarah Keenan Senior Lecturer, Birkbeck School of Law, University of London Dr Marie Segrave Associate Professor of Criminology, Monash University Dr Julia Dehm Lecturer, School of Law, La Trobe University Dr Larissa Sandy Senior Lecturer, Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT University Amanda Porter Dr Rimple Mehta Alumna, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University Prue Vines Professor in Law, UNSW Jarrod Williams Barrister, Victorian Bar Dr Tara Renae McGee Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Dr William R Wood Senior Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Dr Mick Hulbrook Bec Medhurst Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University Online Course Facilitator, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, University of South Australia Dr Marisela Velazquez Visiting Academic Researcher, James Cook University Dr David Best Professor of Criminology, University of Derby; Honorary Professor, ANU Dr Adam Masters Senior Lecturer in Criminology, ANU Dr Angela Dwyer Robert Tickner Associate Professor, Police Studies and Emergency Management, University of Tasmania Former Australian Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Dr Jason Payne Associate Professor of Criminology, ANU Mary Spiers Williams Lecturer, School of Law and Sub Dean Undergraduate Indigenous Studies, ANU Adjunct Professor Eric Sidoti Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, Western Sydney University Dr Jennifer Nielsen Michelle McDonnell Associate Professor, School of Law & Justice, Southern Cross University National Co-ordinator, After Prison Network and Director of Advocacy, Justiceinvolved Young People Network Dr Chris Martin Senior Research Fellow, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Sydney John Feneley Former NSW Mental Health Commissioner Kate Seear Associate Professor in Law, Monash University Dr Kirrily Jordan Fellow, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU Dr John Boersig Marcia Williams CEO, Legal Aid ACT CEO, Women’s Centre for Health Matters Dr Wilfred Prest Professor Emeritus of History and of Law, University of Adelaide Dr Liz Campbell Francine V McNiff Professor of Criminal Jurisprudence, Monash University Matthew Zagor Associate Professor in Law and Director, Law Reform & Social Justice, ANU Dr Renae Fomiatti Research Officer, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University Professor Mark Stoove Head of Public Health, Burnet Institute Dr Carolyn Strange Professor of History, ANU Dr Peter Higgs Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, La Trobe University Dr George Dertadian Lecturer in Criminology, Centre for Crime, Law and Justice, UNSW Dr Claire Spivakovsky Dr Stacy Tzoumakis Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University Dr Heather Douglas Professor, Law School, University of Queensland 6 John Braithwaite Emeritus Professor, ANU Shelley Walker Burnet Institute; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University Eddie Cubillo Senior Fellow, University of Melbourne, Law School Dr Bridget Harris DECRA Fellow and Senior Lecturer, Queensland University of Technology Dr Airdre Grant Lecturer, Southern Cross University Susanna Locke Barrister, Victorian Bar Dr Catherine Flynn Senior Lecturer, Monash University Arie Freiberg Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University Tom Kelly Clare Conway Former NSW Public Solicitor Manager, Woden Community Services Housing Action Team Penny Hill PhD candidate (Public Health), Monash University; Burnet Institute Dr Madeleine Ulbrick Research Associate, Monash University Dr Dylan Lino School of Law, University of Queensland Susan Clarke-Lindfield Executive Director, Toora Women Inc. Filip Djordjevic Yasmin Mohamed Research Assistant, Burnet Institute Women’s and Children’s Health Specialist, Burnet Institute Cassandra Generoso Lawyer, Leanne Warren & Associates Chris Seaman PhD candidate (Disease Elimination), Burnet Institute David Barrow Barrister, NSW Scott Cromb Barrister, Victorian Bar Dr Justin Barker Dr Adrian Farrugia Executive Director, Youth Coalition of the ACT Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon Acting Director, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre and Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University Dr Mindy Sotiri Director, Advocacy Policy and Research, Community Restorative Centre Marcelle Burns Lecturer, School of Law, University of New England Professor Felicity Gerry QC Crockett Chambers, Melbourne and Carmelite Chambers, London; Professor of Legal Practice, Deakin University Reece Cossar PhD Candidate, Burnet Institute Kylie Valentine Associate Professor and Research Director, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Pat Burton Research Associate, University of Tasmania Emma Russell Dr Michael Savic Senior Lecturer in Crime Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe University Senior Research Fellow (Addiction Studies), Monash University, & Strategic Lead, Clinical and Social Research, Turning Point, Eastern Health Tom Battersby Barrister, Gorman Chambers Dr Janet Ransley Professor and Director, Griffith Criminology Institute Dr Julia Quilter Ashleigh Newnham Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong Springvale Monash Legal Service Dr Paul Dietze Professor, Burnet Institute Tom Andrews Lecturer in Criminology, Law School, La Trobe University Dr Maria Elander Senior Lecturer, Law School, La Trobe University Lisa Papadinas Barrister, Victorian Bar Dr Caroline Doyle Emily Lenton Lecturer, UNSW Canberra and President, Prisoners Aid (ACT) La Trobe University, ANU Ashleigh Stewart Research Assistant, Burnet Institute; PhD Student, Monash University 7 Dr Anita Mackay Senior Lecturer, Law School, La Trobe University Tract Rayner BA (Criminology) student, Griffith University Dr Erica Millar Lecturer in Crime, Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe University Jenny Crosbie Research Fellow, Deakin University Dr Alison Gerard Professor and Director, Centre for Law and Justice, Charles Sturt University Dr Pascale Chifflet Lecturer, Law School, La Trobe University Dr Susanne Davies Associate Professor, Head of Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe University Dr Ruth McCausland Senior Research Fellow, UNSW Dr Adrian Evans Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University Dr Maria Giannacopoulos Senior Lecturer in Socio-Legal Studies, Flinders University Dr Michael Kilmister Learning Designer & Sessional Academic, University of Newcastle Dr Kari Lancaster Senior Research Fellow and Scientia Fellow, UNSW Dr Miranda Forsyth Associate Professor, School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU Professor Carla Treloar Felicity Fox Director, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney Barrister, Victorian Bar Rebecca Wallis Associate Lecturer, TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland Catherine Boston Barrister, Victorian Bar Dr Alison Ritter Director, Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Dermot Dann QC Barrister, Victorian Bar Dr Elizabeth Grant CF Dr Molly Dragiewicz Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, RMIT University Associate Professor, Griffith University Dr Penny Crofts Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney Dr Caitlin Hughes Associate Professor, Centre for Crime Policy and Research, Flinders University Dr Raul Sanchez Urribarri Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe University Dr Fabian Cannizzo Lecturer in Sociology, La Trobe University Dr Kirsty Duncanson Guy Gilbert SC Senior Lecturer, Crime, Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe University Barrister, Victorian Bar Elizabeth Radulski PhD Candidate, Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe University Dr Julie Kimber Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Science, Swinburne University of Technology Dr Tarryn Phillips Senior Lecturer, Crime, Justice and Legal Studies, La Trobe University Naomi Gould Senior Solicitor, Canberra Community Law Dr Aidan Craney Sophie Trevitt Lecturer, Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe University Solicitor and Justice Coordinator of In My Blood It Runs, Australian Capital Territory Alexandra Palk Senior Solicitor and Tribunal Advocate, Canberra Community Law Farzana Choudhury Senior Solicitor, Canberra Community Law Parastou Hatami Supervising Solicitor, Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program Dr Julie Rudner Steven Caruana Convenor, Community Planning and Development, La Trobe University Coordinator, Australia OPCAT Network Stephanie Curtis Master of Applied Epidemiology scholar, Burnet Institute, Alfred Health and ANU Carrie Fowlie Chief Executive Officer, Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA) Zoe Neumayer Lawyer, Central Land Council Sarah Paddick Architect, Total Space Design Megan Casey Dr Anton Symkovych Barrister, Victorian Bar Lecturer in Criminology, University of Melbourne Ruth Parker Principal Lawyer, Galbally Parker Lawyers 8 John Killick Author Suzan Cox OAM QC Director, NT Legal Aid Commission Jill Faulkner Manager, Women Transforming Justice (project of Fitzroy Legal Service) Debbie Kilroy CEO, Sisters Inside Dr Nicholas Herriman Senior Lecturer, Anthropology, La Trobe University Julian McMahon AC SC Barrister, Victorian Bar; President, Capital Punishment Justice Project Michelle Barclay Solicitor, ACT Debbie Kilroy CEO, Sisters Inside Professor David Jones Dr Diana Johns School of Architecture & Built Environment, Deakin University Senior Lecturer in Criminology, School of Social & Political Sciences, University of Melbourne Dr Jake Rance Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney Dr Anastasia Kanjere Sessional academic, Monash University; La Trobe University Dr Jeremy Ryder Tutor in Criminal Justice, University of South Australia Emma Towney Julian R Murphy Solicitor, Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program, Canberra Community Law PhD Student (Law), University of Melbourne Michael Curtis PhD candidate (Public Health), Monash University; Burnet Institute Dr Melissa de Vel-Palumbo Lecturer in Criminology, Flinders University Rob Hulls Director, Centre for Innovative Justice, RMIT University Emma Phillips Deputy Director & Principal Solicitor, Queensland Advocacy Incorporated Dr Peta Malins Angela Sharpley Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT University Barrister, Victorian Bar Mehera San Roque Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, UNSW Jonathon Hunyor CEO, Public Interest Advocacy Centre Dr Tamara Walsh Professor of Law, University of Queensland Heather Anderson Lawyer, David Barrese & Associates Amber Karanikolas Nicholas Smith PhD Candidate (Social Inquiry), La Trobe University Senior Lecturer in Anthropology, La Trobe Bernie Matthews Author Sarah-Jane Olsen Executive Officer, Hepatitis ACT Liz Barrett Research Officer, Drug Policy Modelling Program, UNSW Melanie Walker CEO, Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) Ruth Barson Dr Brian Turner Executive Director, Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC) Executive member, Prisoners Aid (ACT) Natasha Jayasuriya Lawyer, Leanne Warren & Associates Dr Zoe Staines Research Fellow in Criminology and Sociology, University of Queensland Julie Andrews Senior Lecturer in Aboriginal Studies, La Trobe University Katie Wright Kate Driscoll Associate Professor of Sociology, La Trobe University Lecturer, Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT Chris Davies Lawyer, Prison Law Program, Fitzroy Legal Service Dr Rod Broadhurst Professor School of Regulation and Global Governance ANU Hui Zhou Principal Lawyer, Legal Practice, Fitzroy Legal Service Rebecca Kavanagh President, Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action Dr Andreas Schloenhardt Professor of Criminal Law, University of Queensland and University of Vienna Dr Natalia Hanley Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Wollongong Dr Shelley Bielefeld Senior Lecturer/ARC DECRA Fellow, Griffith University 9 Jon Stanhope AO Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service Michael Colbung Lecturer, Director of Indigenous Learning, School of Education, University of Adelaide Nicole L Asquith Associate Professor of Policing and Criminal Justice, Western Sydney University Alexis Apostolellis CEO, Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) Elena Pappas Director, Law and Advocacy Centre for Women Ltd Alison Verhoeven Chief Executive, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association Dr Luke Bearup School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU Lyn Dundon Advocacy and Campaigns Manager Financial Counselling Victoria Poppy de Souza Dr Jack Wallace Research Fellow, Griffith University Postgraduate Research Fellow, Burnet Institute Dr Andrew Goldsmith Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Criminology, Flinders University Prof Irene Watson Pro Vice Chancellor, Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy, University of South Australia Dr Rick Sarre Professor and Dean of Law, University of South Australia John Murray Foundation Member, Positive Justice Centre Robyn Lincoln Dr Meredith Rossner Assistant Professor in Criminology, Bond University Professor of Criminology, Centre for Social Research and Methods, ANU Claudia Fatone CEO, Fitzroy Legal Service Scott Wilson CEO, Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Council SA Michelle O’Flynn Director, Queensland Advocacy Incorporated Don McCrae CEO, JusTas Larry Pierce Yvette Holt Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies Casual lecturer in Criminal Law and Procedure, Southern Cross University Nancy Grunwald Barrister, Victorian Bar Dr Julie Nichols Lecturer, School of Art, Architecture and Design, University of South Australia Lucien Richter Barrister, Victorian Bar Lachlan Hocking Senior Lawyer, Victoria Legal Aid Tanja Dreher Associate Professor, School of Arts and Media, UNSW Jane Dicka Drug Overdose Peer Educator Manager, Harm Reduction Victoria Maggie Ball PA to the Dean of Law, University of South Australia Dr David Bartholomeusz Medical Practitioner, Nudgee Beach, Queensland Gabriela Franich Tutor in Criminology, RMIT University Odette Shenfield Outreach lawyer, Fitzroy Legal Service Mary Ellen Harrod Dr Rachel Loney-Howes CEO, NSW Users and AIDS Association Lecturer in Criminology, University of Wollongong Erin Fradd Lawyer, Fitzroy Legal Service Emily Male Client Services Officer, Fitzroy Legal Service Emma Golledge Dr Suzanne Reich Director, Kingsford Legal Centre Program Director and Senior Lecturer (Criminology and Criminal Justice), University of Southern Queensland Julie Stubbs Professor and co-Director of the Centre for Crime, Law and Justice, UNSW Dr Sarah Woodland Research Fellow, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music (Performing Arts in Prisons), University of Melbourne Dr Georgine Clarsen Associate Professor of History, University of Wollongong Karly Warner Moya O’Brien CEO, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited Barrister, Victorian Bar Dr David Lemmings Professor of History (retd.), University of Adelaide 10 Bhiamie Williamson Research Associate and PhD Candidate, ANU Dr Russell Marks Senior Lawyer, Queensland Advocacy Incorporated Deborah Brown Office Administrator, Fitzroy Legal Service Dr RV Gundur Lecturer in Criminology, Flinders University Dr David Carter Lecturer in Law, University of Technology Sydney Shaun Wigley Sessional Staff Member, Law School, Griffith University Lisa Billington PhD (Law), University of Technology Sydney Dr Tracey Booth Associate Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney Gai Walker Dr Anthony Collins SCALES Community Legal Centre, Rockingham, Western Australia Lecturer in Social Inquiry, La Trobe University Michael White Executive Officer, SA Network of Drug and Alcohol Services (SANDAS) Katherine Biber Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney Dr Angela Higginson Senior Lecturer, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology Bill Bush President, Families & Friends for Drug Law Reform Louisa Tamala Dr Hilde Tubex Alcohol and other drug counsellor, Star Health Associate Professor, University of Western Australia Dr Ibolya Losoncz Researcher, School of Regulation and Global Governance, ANU Kerry Weste President, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights Dr Gavin Smith Associate Professor, Sociology, ANU Dr Caroline Spiranovic Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Tasmania Sam Biondo Rebecca Hiscock Executive Officer, Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association Associate Lecturer, Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT Dr James Petty Project Officer – Special Projects, Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association Georgie Sutton Policy and Governance Officer, Central Land Council Deborah Di Natale CEO, Northern Territory Council of Social Services Lidia Thorpe Indigenous Lead, Amnesty International Australia Peter Dowding SC Former Premier of Western Australia 11