PRISON VOTING RIGHTS

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service stated it supports the Custodial Inspector’s recommendation, tabled today in State Parliament, to extend voting rights to all people in prison.

TALS CEO Jake Smith said in Tasmania, the Tasmanian Electoral Act allows only individuals serving sentences of three years or less to vote.

“Every person in this country should have the right to vote, that fundamental right should not be taken away because someone is in prison,” Mr Smith said.

“The Commonwealth Electoral Act also states that a person serving a sentence of 3 years or longer is not entitled to vote.

“With the Federal Election just weeks away, it is crucial that we consider who is being excluded from democratic participation.

“Decisions made at both state and federal levels - by political parties, ministers, and governments - deeply affect the lives of people in prison, everyone deserves the right to have a say on decisions that impact them.”

Mr Smith said people in prison also have children, partners and families who are also impacted by the laws and policies that are made by governments.

“Aboriginal people represent nearly 25% of the prison population in Tasmania, while about 5% of the Tasmanian population.

“These electoral laws disproportionately impact Aboriginal people, both in Tasmania and across the country. “It’s unjust, and it’s time these Acts were amended. Everyone deserves the right to have a say in the decisions that shape their lives.”

April, 2025 - Media contact: A .Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732