In 1992 indigenous people were held in police cells at a rate over 26 times that of non-indigenous people, says the report. Also, where suspected offenders lacked community ties, such as home ownership or a regular job, they are more likely to end up in police custody. The report concludes from data available that indigenous people are also not only over-represented in minor offences, as is often suggested, but in almost all types of offences. It goes on to emphasise the double discrimination faced by indigenous people. As indigenous people have a much greater chance of being unemployed, the potential for reducing indigenous imprisonment by addressing unemployment and its causes is considerable.
Education is a factor.
People who are both indigenous and early school leavers are 130 times more likely to be in prison. Again, the potential for improving employment prospects through improved educational attainment could also have significant impact on imprisonment rates. It may be republished with acknowledgement.