Productivity Commission ROGS 2026 — Youth Justice Cost Analysis
What was at stake
Cost comparison: detention vs community supervision
What happened
This report examines the financial implications and daily costs associated with the Australian youth justice system, specifically focusing on children held in detention facilities versus those managed through community-based supervision programs across various states.
What the court decided
National average $3,635/day per child in detention vs $424/day community supervision. Victoria highest at $7,304/day detention. Community programs are 9-32x cheaper with better outcomes.
How the court got there
The Productivity Commission's findings on the significant cost disparities between youth detention and community supervision were likely established through detailed data collection, econometric analysis of operational expenditures, program funding, and service delivery models across different Australian jurisdictions. This methodological approach allowed for a direct comparison of per-child daily costs, highlighting the economic efficiency and potential for improved outcomes offered by community-based alternatives.
Categories
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