COVID-19 Risks and Impacts for Prisoners and Communities

17/08/2021

In response to the latest developments relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including recent reports of positive COVID-19 cases in custodial settings, the Bugmy Bar Book has updated its COVID 19 research chapter. The research includes reference to issues including:

• the risks and vulnerabilities of prisoners
• the potential impacts of the increased restrictions and lockdowns on prisoners’ mental health, wellbeing and rehabilitation
• risks posed to the protection of communities, in particular, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This research would be of assistance to practitioners in relation to bail applications as well as sentence and parole proceedings.

Link to research chapter: https://www.publicdefenders.nsw.gov.au/Pages/public_defenders_research/bar-book/pdf/BBB_Covid19_chapter-17Aug2021.pdf

The chapter will be updated online as the situation evolves.