500 (2026). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Justice

500 (2026). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Justice: How much of the 24% increase of incarcerated women between September 2024 - September 2025 is driven by: - remand decisions; - bail opposition practices; and - changes in sentencing thresholds?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: I am advised that the 24% increase in the number of women in prison between September 2024 and September 2025 reflects growth in both the remand and sentenced populations. This is due to a 12% increase of woman in remand and a 43% increase in the sentence population. The increase in the remand population is driven by a 3% increase in category 3 and 4 court inflow, a 13% increase in category 3 and 4 remand rate, and a 7% increase in time spent on remand. The increase in the sentence population is driven by a 42% increase in sentence inflow due to a 19% increase in the category 3 and 4 imprisonment rate. I am also advised that specific analysis has not been undertaken on the extent to which remand decisions, bail opposition practices, or sentencing thresholds may have contributed to the growth in the number of women in prison.