Incarceration Nation (ATOM Study Guide)

Australia was founded by the British with one clear purpose – to create a penal colony. We have continued to be one ever since. In the 230 years that have followed our incarceration rates are amongst the highest in the world and costing our nation billions of dollars. But the most devastating cost is the erosion of the culture and wellbeing of our First Nation Peoples leading to over-representation in our justice system.

Indigenous Australians comprise 29 percent of the prison population but only three percent of the population. The trauma for families and communities is unimaginable. Indigenous people are 16–18 times more likely to be imprisoned than the rest of the population. Two of the key drivers for incarceration are trauma and disadvantage.

Incarceration Nation connects the relentless legislation and government intervention since colonisation to the trauma and disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Australians. Exposing massacres, child removals, stolen wages, denial of education, over-policing, racism, and systemic bias. We are amidst an internationally recognised human rights catastrophe. It's time for change.

Curriculum Links:

Incarceration Nation can be linked to the following subject areas within the Australian Curriculum:

• Year 11 Modern History
• Year 10 English
• Year 10 Civics and Citizenship
• Law and Citizens
• Citizenship, Diversity and Identity
• Year 10 Health and Physical Education