Misrepresentation of crime statistics by the Herald Sun hinders efforts to overcome crime

Misrepresentation of crime statistics by the Herald Sun hinders efforts to overcome crime

A report in this morning's Herald Sun newspaper misrepresented annual crime statistics released by the state department of justice, incorrectly stating 91.1% of young people failed to complete their community correction orders, when in fact, the opposite is true. An RMIT expert explains how this damages public perception and efforts to overcome crime.

Dr Kathryn Daley, RMIT University Social Equity Research Centre

“An error such as this makes the community feel unsafe and places doubt in our justice and corrections systems. Accurate reporting is needed now more than ever, given how heated the issue has become.

“The Department of Justice and Community Safety report was an opportunity for a good news story. It shows that 98.6% of young people successfully completed diversionary orders served by the children’s court and that participation into reintegration programs remains exponentially higher than three years ago (79% compared to 19% in 21-22). 

“These statistics highlight that diversionary programs and community orders are helping young people, but also that they are being appropriately applied: the state’s judiciary are making largely accurate assessments on who is likely to benefit from these orders. 

“Importantly, the community needs to understand that these intervention programs are designed to increase community safety by preventing young people from becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system and reoffending.

“Diversionary programs and community-based orders will often instruct young people to participate in rehabilitative programs such as alcohol and other drug counselling, engagement with school or other prosocial activities, and link young people in with workers who help to facilitate pathways and futures out of crime.

“Contrary to reporting in the Herald Sun, the latest data shows the importance and effectiveness of these intervention programs, in comparison to imprisonment, which is known to increase offending, and therefore should be used only when the prospect of rehabilitation is bleak.”

Dr Kathryn Daley is Associate Director of Social Equity Research Centre and a senior lecturer at RMIT University. Her work is focused on improving the wellbeing of people living on the margins, particularly children and young people.

***

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

31 October 2025

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31 October 2025

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