The Minns Labor Government has today launched a new strategy to better protect women in the justice system and keep the community safe by reducing reoffending.
The Corrective Services NSW Women's Strategy 2026-2036 (the Women's Strategy) responds to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Offending of Former Corrections Officer Wayne Astill at Dillwynia Correctional Centre (The Astill Inquiry).
The Astill Inquiry, led by Hon Peter McClellan AM KC and initiated by the Minns Labor Government, made 31 recommendations to address serious and systemic failures in how the correctional system treats women in its care. The Government accepted all recommendations in full or in principle and has already fully implemented 19 recommendations.
Recommendation 30 called for Corrective Services NSW to implement a Women's Strategy to provide strategic, system-wide oversight of issues affecting women in custody. The Women's Strategy sets out a 10-year roadmap to improve outcomes and better support women to successfully reintegrate into society.
Many women entering the correctional system have experienced trauma, domestic, family and sexual violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, socio-economic disadvantage, unemployment and homelessness.
Correctional environments that neglect women's needs and exacerbate trauma from prior victimisation lead to poor reoffending outcomes, with 56% of women in NSW reoffending and returning to custody within two years.
In addition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are the most overrepresented group in the NSW correctional system.
The Women's Strategy responds to growing evidence on the gendered pathways into the justice system and the conditions required to best support rehabilitation based on priorities of safety, diversion, capability-building, reintegration, community partnerships, and system accountability.
It has been shaped by extensive consultation with over 400 women, including key stakeholders and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, staff and women with lived experience in custody.
By delivering a world leading correctional system that addresses systemic failures and supports the rehabilitation of women, the Women's Strategy is vital in delivering a safer community for all of NSW.
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Community safety is the Minns Labor Government's top priority.
"The Astill Inquiry exposed unacceptable systemic failures across our correctional system that allowed unconscionable offences to occur and silenced inmates and staff who tried to speak up.
"For too long, women in custody have faced unacceptable outcomes driven by complex disadvantage.
"This Strategy sets a new direction grounded in rehabilitation, accountability and reform.
"Our frontline staff are central to this work. We are investing in their capability, supporting their wellbeing, and ensuring they have the tools to work confidently with women in a way that supports their rehabilitation.
"We know that women in custody and under supervision have distinct needs. Only by responding to these needs can we best support women reintegrating successfully back into the community and being motivated to contribute positively to society.
"This is about breaking cycles of offending, improving lives and making our communities safer."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
"The launch of this Strategy is a turning point for women in the correctional system. This is a way forward, taking a whole-of-government approach, to address the different and often complex challenges women face in the system.
"We're prioritising safety, dignity and respect. We're making sure women get the support they need, as many in the system would have histories of abuse and trauma. We're also focusing on rehabilitation, to help women build skills and knowledge that will support recovery and a life post-release.
"Thank you to all the stakeholders who provided invaluable feedback in the development of this strategy."
CSNSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said:
"This landmark Strategy represents a bold and necessary step toward building a correctional system that recognises and responds to the unique needs, experiences, and strengths of women.
"The Strategy recognises that women's pathways into and through the justice system are distinct and require a unique approach to best support rehabilitation and reduced reoffending.
"Working together with government agencies, non-government partners and other important voices, we envision a future where fewer women are imprisoned, and women are supported to thrive.
"This Strategy is a commitment to work alongside women, to listen deeply, and to lead with courage and care."
NSW Women's Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:
"Research shows that women's pathways into and out of the correctional system, as well as their experiences while in custody, are quite distinct from men's. We also know that the overwhelming majority of women in custody are victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence who have experienced significant trauma in their lives.
"Addressing the unique needs of women requires targeted approaches that harness their strengths, build their capability, and support their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. This must include a greater focus on diversionary pathways for women, particularly those sentenced for non-violent offences and those on remand.
"The Women's Strategy sets out a much-needed roadmap to reform the way Corrective Services works with women, including by addressing many of the systemic failures revealed in the Astill Inquiry. This will help achieve better outcomes for women and the broader community."
