Queensland's prison population has surged by 54% over the past decade, reaching 11,278 inmates as of June last year, according to a recent report by the state's auditor-general. The report warns that almost half of offenders released from custody return within two years, highlighting significant challenges in rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

The auditor-general found that Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) is not effectively planning or facilitating prisoner rehabilitation. The report notes that 44% of offenders released in 2022-23 returned to custody after reoffending within two years. This rate is higher among First Nations people, with 55% returning to custody within two years in 2024-25, compared to 36% of non-First Nations people.

Queensland's prison population is expected to continue growing, with QCS forecasting an increase of 1,500 to 5,200 inmates by June 2035. This growth could exceed the built bed capacity of correctional centres, as 12 of 13 high-security centres were already housing more prisoners than intended as of June 2025.

The report also highlights that less than half of prisoners released in 2024-25 received pre-release support, such as assistance with setting up bank accounts. However, rehabilitation program completions are on the rise, with 3,429 programs completed by March 2026, partly due to efforts to maximize participation and the opening of the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre.

For context, higher rates of prisoners returning to custody were reported in the Northern Territory (60%) and New South Wales (50%) during the same period.

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