Hello everyone, for a university assignment i have a write a mock government submission about a social policy topic about the rights or prisoners.
I was thinking that maybe either a submission stating that all prisoners should have the right to vote, or that there should be more independent reviews of the treatment of prisoners. Does anyone have any thoughts about either of these? or know of any real social policy things going on on this topic in Australia? Thanks

I have no idea if there are ongoing issues with either of these topics in Australia, but in the UK at present, a debate is raging over whether or not prisoners should have the right to vote. Essentially, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that UK prisoners be given the right to vote, although the move has been vetoed in the House of Commons and no move as yet has been made to comply with the ruling. Just google for prisoner right to vote UK and all the recent articles on it should come up; hope it helps give you some direction or ideas.

Prisoners Rights: Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Website

You may find something of interest here, if you have not already researched this site, including the right to vote.

Another good site points for and against the right to vote.



This house would allow prisoners to vote | idebate.org

In theory, Australian prisoners on remand, and convicted prisoners serving three years or less, have the right and obligation to vote. The electoral commission sets up polling booths in large prisons, as it does in large hospitals. Whether people can actually get to these booths is questionable. Otherwise, prisoners, inmates and patients may register for a postal vote, although that can be difficult.
In practise, all voters on the electoral roll, who vote, regardless of their status or location, will have their vote recorded.
Eligible voters who do not vote because they are incarcerated or hospitalised automatically have their fine waived.