Submission: Inquiry into Penalties for Minor Offences and Vulnerable People

ACTCOSS made a submission to the ACT Government’s Inquiry into penalties for minor offences and vulnerable people, focusing on a justice reinvestment approach that prioritises community safety and wellbeing. Our submission urges the Government to take an approach addressing the underlying socioeconomic determinants of minor offences including vulnerabilities arising from mental health issues, disability, homelessness, financial disadvantage, and alcohol and other drug misuse, and avoid approaches that further entrench disadvantage. We recommended that the ACT Government take an income-based approach to fees and fines as part of a broader, progressive approach to revenue collection and justice reform.