Press Releases
The National Network writes media releases in response to current affairs and our members speak at events, protests, conferences, panels and appear in mainstream media.
When will the Killing Stop? The National Network demand the WA Government act now to end the deaths in custody crisis.
‘Just five days ago, the National Network issued a press statement calling for the WA Government to urgently address the severe overcrowding and inhumane conditions in Western Australia’s prisons. We warned that without immediate action, there would be more deaths in...
Urgent Release – National Network Demands Answers Following Forced Relocation of Alice Springs Women to Darwin Correctional Centre
The National Network has been contacted by sources revealing that all women in the Alice Springs prison have been relocated to Darwin Correctional Centre without prior warning or their consent. ‘This forced transfer is in direct violation of the women’s rights,...
NT Government’s Prison Expansion Confirms Australia’s Addiction to Incarceration
The National Network strongly condemn the Northern Territory government’s announcement to expand the prison system by adding 1000 more jail beds. ‘This gross expansion, under the guise of “reducing overcrowding and rehabilitating” people, proves what we have been...
Women’s Rights Under Threat as LNP’s Hidden Agenda on Abortion Laws Revealed
The National Network remain extremely concerned as more evidence surfaces that David Crisafulli is attempting to mislead women across the state by claiming he will not make changes to abortion laws. Recent comments by Freya Ostapovitch, LNP candidate for Stretton,...
Housing Crisis Exacerbating Criminalisation for Women Prisoners
The National Network welcomes Frances Nelson KC’s recent comments highlighting the severe impact the housing crisis is having on parole-eligible prisoners who remain incarcerated due to a lack of housing. However, this issue is not new. The intersection of housing...
Crisafulli Doesn’t Fool the Women of Queensland—Or Even the Women of the LNP
‘David Crisafulli may think he’s pulling the wool over the eyes of Queensland’s women, but his polished non-answers and evasive rhetoric only prove one thing: he is not to be trusted when it comes to our reproductive rights. His hollow promises do little to fill women...
National Network Condemns Cruel and Inhumane Treatment of Prisoners Exposed by NSW Ombudsman Report
The National Network is horrified, yet unsurprised, by the damning report released by the NSW Ombudsman, which highlights the cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners, treatment tantamount to torture. ‘The report exposes the brutality of the prison system, and their...
Profound Disappointment, But No Surprise – Legal Aid NT Cuts Will Devastate Vulnerable Communities
The National Network are profoundly disappointed – but not shocked – by the announcement that Legal Aid NT will be forced to cut critical services starting 1 January 2025, due to insufficient funding. ‘In fact, no one should be surprised by this. For years, legal...
A Call for Investment in Non-Carceral Solutions for Tasmania’s Youth
The National Network welcome the Tasmanian government's recent acknowledgment that investing in more carceral facilities and children’s cages is not the solution. However, we urge the government to go further by committing to the closure of the Ashley Youth Detention...
Hands Off Our Bodies: Condemning the Invasive Private Members’ Bill on Abortion Laws
The introduction of the private members' bill by Liberal MP Ben Hood, which seeks to impose draconian and outdated restrictions on abortion after 27 weeks and six days, is a blatant assault on women's bodily autonomy. ‘This proposed bill attempts to control the most...
LNP’s Desperate ‘Making Our Community Safer’ Plan Targets Vulnerable Children
The National Network and Sisters Inside have issued this joint statement to state that the Queensland LNP's latest policy proposal, disguised as part of their 'Making Our Community Safer' plan, is nothing short of draconian. ‘Their new laws, if passed, will allow the...
Demand for Accountability and Action from South Australia’s Attorney-General
The National Network call upon South Australia's Attorney-General, Kyam Maher, to face the children his laws are locking up. ‘It is unacceptable for him to ignore the voices of young people suffering under a brutal colonial legal system that cages Aboriginal children...
Senate Youth Justice Inquiry: National Network responds to the announcement of yet another parliamentary inquiry
The National Network welcomes Government attention on what is undeniably one of Australia’s national shames – the so-called ‘youth justice’ system. However, the announcement of yet another Senate inquiry leaves us feeling tired and cynical. ‘We have seen these...
World Suicide Prevention Day – Prisons Continue to Kill with Impunity
As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, we must confront the devastating reality that suicide remains a significant cause of death in prison. Of the 63 deaths in prison custody in 2021–22 where the manner of death was recorded, one-quarter (25%) were deaths from...
Immediate Action Needed in the Domestic Violence Sector
Amid growing divisions in the domestic and family violence sector about the best way forward, the National Network stands ready with solutions that have long been ignored but remain vital. ‘While debate continues between advocates about strategies, we remain focused...