Efforts to address crime and justice issues have been bolstered by investing in high-quality research that will shape smarter public policy for the future. The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) has today announced important new funding that will support Australian academics to undertake cutting-edge crime and justice research.
One of the winning projects, by Charles Sturt University, aims to understand money laundering tactics used by criminals in the illicit tobacco market. Money laundering funds and supports serious and organised crime across Australia, not just illicit tobacco.
According to the AIC's recent report, The costs of serious and organised crime in Australia, 2023-24 , illicit tobacco cost Australia an estimated $4 billion in 2023-24. Since 2023, serious and organised crime groups have escalated efforts to control the illicit market in Australia, resulting in more than 200 fire bombings, at least 3 homicides (including an innocent civilian) and multiple other non-fatal violent attacks.
AIC Director Heather Cook says she looks forward to seeing the work of these seven new projects come to fruition under the Criminology Research Fund [CRF, formerly known as Criminology Research Grants (CRG)].
"These projects address current trends in Australian crime and justice, such as family and domestic violence, illicit tobacco use, recidivism and potential improvements such as Aboriginal-led justice systems," Ms. Cook said.
"The AIC is committed to working closely with CRF recipients to advance knowledge on these topics and, ultimately, deliver real-world impact."
The CRF program aims to support research relevant to public policy issues, foster quality criminological research, and ensure that funded research is disseminated effectively. The program is selected by the Criminology Research Advisory Council, administered by the AIC, and is supported by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments.
