Gendered Trends in Remand: Comparing the Rate of Increase in the Number of Women Compared to Men Incarcerated in Australia 2019 - 2025

This dataset presents a detailed overview of the Australian prisoner population from 2019 to 2025, with particular attention to the rapid growth of the unsentenced (remand) cohort. It includes: Total prisoner counts for each State and Territory Gender‑disaggregated data for sentenced and unsentenced populations Percentage trends highlighting the disproportionate rise in female remand imprisonment As of 30 June 2025, Australia recorded a total of 46,998 prisoners—the highest number on record. A notable development within this period is the sharp increase in unsentenced women, who now comprise 52.01% of the total female prisoner population. This shift underscores significant changes in the criminal justice landscape, particularly in how pre‑trial detention is being applied across jurisdictions. Record‑high prisoner numbers between 2019 and 2025 reflect substantial shifts in Australia’s legal and policy environment. Legislative changes to bail laws—particularly in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory—have made it increasingly difficult for individuals to remain in the community while awaiting trial. These reforms, often framed as “tough on crime” responses to domestic violence and repeat offending, have contributed to a growing backlog in the courts. As a result, the unsentenced population has expanded more rapidly than the system can process cases. Systemic factors also play a significant role. Over‑policing of minor offences and entrenched social disadvantage continue to channel vulnerable groups into custody. The impact is especially visible among women, who are disproportionately affected by misidentification during police responses to domestic violence incidents. In several jurisdictions, victims are mistakenly classified as perpetrators, leading to their detention on remand despite clear histories of victimisation. Together, these legislative pressures and structural inequities have made the unsentenced cohort the fastest‑growing segment of the Australian prison system.