NSW prison numbers surge to five-year high...
- admin928749
- May 21
- 2 min read
The NSW prison population has hit its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, and new data reveals one particularly concerning trend behind the rise.
According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), the number of adults in prison across the state reached 13,103 in March 2025—the most since March 2020, when the pandemic began.
During COVID, prisoner numbers dropped sharply and stayed relatively low through to late 2023. But since November 2023, that trend has reversed, with the prison population jumping by 1,055 inmates—or 8.8%.
One of the most troubling aspects of this increase? A significant rise in unconvicted Indigenous prisoners.
BOCSAR revealed that, as of March 2025, there were 4,244 Indigenous adults in custody, making up about 32% of the total prison population—despite Indigenous Australians accounting for only 3.4% of the state’s overall population.
This spike is being driven largely by a rise in Indigenous people on remand—those being held in custody while they await their day in court, not yet convicted of a crime. Over the last five years, the number of Indigenous remandees has jumped 63%.
One major factor behind the increase? Domestic violence-related arrests, which have more than doubled over the same period.
“Unlike the overall prison population, which is still below pre-pandemic levels, the number of Aboriginal prisoners has now surpassed 2019 levels and is continuing to grow,” said BOCSAR executive director Jackie Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald warned that the numbers paint a worrying picture, especially in light of national commitments.
“These figures underscore the urgent need for policy changes and better intervention strategies to reduce Aboriginal incarceration,” she said.“Current trends are completely out of step with the Closing the Gap target of reducing Indigenous over-representation in the justice system by at least 15% by 2031.”
In short, while NSW’s overall prison numbers are climbing again, the surge in Indigenous Australians being held without conviction is sparking serious calls for change.
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