It said that comparisons between crime rates in different states only became possible in 1994, but the more longstanding murder statistics indicated no historical increase. What the statistics definitely do not show is a rise in any category of crime commensurate with the increase in imprisonment. Since the 1980s most categories of crime have undergone several rises and falls with few currently at levels notably higher than they were two decades ago. Every state government has enacted legislation to strengthen police powers, allowing an unprecedented level of police intrusion into people's lives. In NSW alone, the state Labor government has introduced laws over the past three years that specifically violate the democratic rights of youth.
Police can force youth to move from a public place even though no crime has been committed.
In the Northern Territory and Western Australia, mandatory sentencing laws demand automatic jail sentences for repeat property offences, no matter how minor. These laws specifically target the young, the poor and Aborigines. Nationally, Aboriginal adults represent 2 percent of the imprisonable population yet make up 19 percent of prison inmates. Particularly during election campaigns, the major political parties outbid each other in boosting police numbers, enhancing police powers and requiring the judiciary to deliver harsher sentences. These campaigns serve to divert attention from the relentless cuts to education, health and public services that have left working class people with little or no forms of social support.