RACGP Joins Justice Reform Initiative
20 Feb 2026
The initiative believes that “jailing is failing” and says too many people are imprisoned unnecessarily. It argues that prisons are not effective at reducing crime or tackling the issues that lead people into the criminal justice system.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the initiative highlights that incarceration should be a last resort. He explained that GPs can play a key role by providing healthcare and support that addresses social issues, helping keep people out of jail.
The RACGP has long supported a whole-of-system approach that focuses on the health and wellbeing of children and families. This includes trauma-informed care for children who have experienced adversity, raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14, and better services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Dr Wright also noted the higher incarceration rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “Early support, education, and reform are far better than imprisonment,” he said.
Justice Reform Initiative Chair Robert Tickner, a former Federal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister, founded the group to create a national voice for justice system change. He said the group brings together people from across the political spectrum to address the root causes of crime instead of building more prisons.
Mr Tickner welcomed the RACGP’s support, highlighting the impact GPs can have on people’s lives. He said GPs often see social issues firsthand and are well-placed to connect people with help before problems escalate.
Dr Wright, also a patron of the Initiative, said GPs regularly see issues like domestic violence, substance abuse, and family struggles. “By being aware and linking patients to services early, GPs help keep communities safer, healthier, and happier,” he said.
Last year, Australia’s average daily prison population reached an eight-year high of 45,525, with the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in jail rising by 11.7%. The Federal Government is currently not on track to meet its Closing the Gap goal of reducing Indigenous adult incarceration by 15% by 2031.
The RACGP says early intervention, trauma-informed healthcare, and community-led support are proven ways to reduce offending and improve long-term health and wellbeing.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: newsGP