This paper examines the systemic over‑representation of people with disability in the criminal justice system, highlighting challenges across policing, bail access, court diversion, custody and post‑release support. It shows how inadequate accommodations and services worsen outcomes, and calls for stronger, disability‑responsive policies to reduce harm, improve justice access, and support safe reintegration.

This paper provides a foundational framework outlining the clear need to reform the imprisonment of women in Australia. It seeks to highlight the key issues and emphasise the urgent need to reduce rates of female imprisonment through a nationally consistent approach.

The Keeping Women out of Prison (KWOOP) Coalition commissioned this baseline study to address this gap in the availability of consolidated evidence on the status of women in prison in NSW and the services available to them.