Crime and Punishment in Australia in 2026
(compiled by Lilian Schmid)
The information below was extracted from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
1. Crime Victimisation (2023–24)
Released 26 March 2025.
Key national findings:
- 1.7% of Australians (362,800 people) experienced physical assault.
- 2.1% (446,100 people) experienced face to face threatened assault.
- 2.1% of households (217,600) experienced a break in.
- 0.7% of households (72,000) had a motor vehicle stolen.
Data reflects experiences between July 2023 – June 2024.
Notable trends:
- Assault and threatened assault remain stable but persistent.
- Property crime (break ins, theft) continues to affect a significant minority of households.
- Motor vehicle theft remains comparatively low but steady.
2. Recorded Crime – Offenders (2023–24)
Released 6 March 2025.
National offender profile:
- 340,681 offenders proceeded against by police — the lowest since the ABS began this series in 2008–09.
- Illicit drug offenders dropped to 48,213, the lowest in the time series.
- Family and domestic violence (FDV) offenders increased 3%, reaching 90,697.
Trends worth noting:
- The decline in drug offenders may reflect policing changes, diversion programs, or market shifts.
- FDV continues to rise, consistent with national concern and increased reporting.
3. Recorded Crime – Victims (2024)
Released 3 September 2025.
Key findings:
- Other theft reached a 21 year high with 595,660 victims.
- 45% occurred in retail settings.
- Sexual assault reached the highest number ever recorded: 40,087 victims.
- Homicide and related offences:
- 448 victims, up 9% from 2023.
- Rate remained stable at 2 per 100,000 people.
Interpretation:
- Retail theft is surging, likely linked to economic pressures and organised shoplifting.
- Sexual assault increases may reflect both rising incidence and improved reporting pathways.
- Homicide remains rare but saw a modest increase.
4. Prisoners in Australia (2025)
Released 11 December 2025.
National prison snapshot:
- 46,998 adult prisoners, up 6% from 2024.
- Imprisonment rate: 216 per 100,000 adults (up from 208).
- Most serious offence for 29% of prisoners: acts intended to cause injury.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners:
- 17,432 people, up 10% from 2024.
What these signals:
- Prison populations are rising again after earlier stabilisation.
- Violent offences remain the dominant reason for imprisonment.
- Indigenous over representation continues to worsen.
Observable Trends
1. Violence remains a major national concern
Both victimisation and imprisonment data show persistent levels of physical assault and a record rise in sexual assault.
2. Family and domestic violence is increasing
FDV offenders rose 3%, and related victimisation remains high.
3. Property crime is shifting
Breakins remain steady, but retail theft is surging to historic highs.
4. Indigenous over representation is deepening
The 10% rise in Indigenous prisoners is one of the most significant justice trends in the country.
5. Drug crime is declining
This may reflect changes in policing priorities or broader social shifts.
Prayer Strategy
1. Violence & Assault (Physical + Sexual)
Record-high sexual assaults, persistent physical assaults
Prayer Focus
- Break cycles of violence, trauma, and generational patterns.
- Expose hidden abuse and bring justice swiftly.
- Heal the wounded and restore dignity.
- Raise up safe communities, churches, and support networks.
- Raise up safe communities, churches, and support networks.
Prayer Points
- “Lord, shine Your light into every hidden place where violence thrives. Let truth break through.”
- “Release healing over survivors — body, soul, and spirit.”
- “Raise up men and women who carry courage, compassion, and accountability.”
- “Cut off the spiritual roots of predation, lust, rage, and domination.”
2. Family & Domestic Violence (FDV) Rising
FDV offenders increased 3%
Prayer Focus
- Restore families, marriages, and generational lines.
- Break spirits of control, intimidation, and fear.
- Strengthen frontline workers and responders.
Prayer Points
- “Lord, dismantle every stronghold of fear and domination in Australian homes.”
- “Protect children and vulnerable adults with angelic covering.”
- “Empower churches to become safe havens and intervention points.”
3. Retail Theft & Property Crime Surging
Retail theft at a 21 year high
Prayer Focus
- Address economic pressures and spiritual roots of greed, entitlement, and despair.
- Pray for business owners, especially small retailers.
- Break organised crime networks.
Prayer Points
- “Lord, release integrity and honesty across workplaces, schools, and communities.”
- “Strengthen business owners with resilience and protection.”
- “Expose organised theft rings and dismantle them.”
4. Homicide Increase (9%)
Though rare, the rise is significant
Prayer Focus
- Pray against the spirit of death operating in regions.
- Pray for police, investigators, and community responders.
- Pray for grieving families.
Prayer Points
- “Lord, silence every assignment of death over our cities.”
- “Release wisdom and discernment to law enforcement.”
- “Comfort those who mourn with supernatural peace.”
5. Indigenous Over representation in Prisons (10% rise)
A deep national wound
Prayer Focus
- Healing of generational trauma.
- Break cycles of incarceration, addiction, and hopelessness.
- Raise Indigenous leaders, elders, and reformers.
Prayer Points
- “Lord, heal the deep wounds of our First Nations peoples.”
- “Break the cycle of incarceration and release hope.”
- “Raise up Indigenous reformers in justice, education, and community leadership.”
6. Drug Offending at Lowest Levels on Record
A positive trend worth praying into
Prayer Focus
- Strengthen prevention, rehabilitation, and community support.
- Pray that this decline becomes a long-term shift, not a policing anomaly.
Prayer Points
- “Lord, continue to free people from addiction and bondage.”
- “Bless every rehab centre, chaplain, and recovery ministry.”
- “Let this decrease become a national turning point.”
7. Rising Prison Population (6%)
Especially violent offenders
Prayer Focus
- Pray for prison chaplains, programs, and reform.
- Pray for transformation behind bars.
- Pray for families of prisoners.
Prayer Points
- “Lord, visit prisons with revival.”
- “Break the spirit of violence and release identity and purpose.”
- “Strengthen families affected by incarceration.”
2026: A Year of Warfare — The Call and Commission of Intercessors
(by Gary Hoban, Prophetic Intercessors For Australia, 1-April-2026 – excerpts reproduced with permission)
There is a clear and unmistakable sense that we are entering a year marked by intensified spiritual warfare. This is not a time for passive Christianity or casual prayer. This is a defining season.
For those called to intercession, this year represents both a warning and an invitation: a warning that the battle is real and escalating, and an invitation to take our place on the front lines of prayer with renewed authority, clarity, and perseverance.
What we are witnessing across the nations is not merely political instability, economic uncertainty, or cultural upheaval. These are surface level manifestations of a much deeper spiritual conflict. There is a clash of kingdoms unfolding before us, the Kingdom of God advancing, and the kingdom of darkness resisting with increased aggression.
A Year of Escalation in the Spirit
We are seeing an acceleration of deception, a redefinition of truth, and a growing hostility toward righteousness. There is confusion in the world and, at times, even within the Church. But we must understand this clearly: confusion is not random, it is strategic. The enemy thrives in confusion, distortion, and distraction.
Yet in the midst of this escalation, God is also raising up a people who will not be shaken. He is calling forth intercessors who will see beyond the natural and engage with precision in the spirit.
The Intercessor: Positioned for Battle
Intercessors are not bystanders in times of warfare, they are frontline participants. intercessors are not spectators. The Lord positions intercessors as watchmen, those who stand on the walls and discern what is coming, often before it manifests in the natural.
In this season, the role of the intercessor becomes even more critical.
A Call to Heightened Discernment
The Lord positions intercessors as watchmen, those who stand on the walls and discern what is coming, often before it manifests in the natural. We are living in a time where voices are many, but truth is contested. Not every movement is of God. Not every open door is divine. Not every narrative reflects heaven’s perspective.
Discernment is not optional, it is essential. This level of discernment is not gained through information, but through intimacy. It comes from time spent in the presence of God, where His voice becomes familiar and His heart becomes known.
The Call to Persistent, Prevailing Prayer
If there is one word that defines intercession in a year of warfare, it is this: persistence. This is not a season for light, occasional prayer. This is a season for pressing in prayer that pushes through resistance, prayer that refuses to quit, prayer that holds the line until breakthrough comes.
Walking in Authority, Not Fear
Warfare prayer is not about striving, it is about standing. It is about declaring what God has already spoken and aligning the earth with heaven’s decree. Fear has no place in the life of an intercessor.
Key Battlefronts in 2026
As I have prayed into this year, several key areas of warfare have become clear. These are not the only areas, but they are significant battlegrounds where intercessors must focus.
- The Battle for Truth
- The Battle for Nations
- The Battle for the Next Generation
- The Battle Within the Church
Strategic Keys for Intercessors
To navigate 2026 effectively, intercessors must be intentional in how they engage.
- Pray the Word
- Stay Spirit-Led
- Pursue Unity
- Guard Your Heart
A Prophetic Charge to Intercessors
I believe the Lord is issuing a clear call in this hour:
“Rise up, My intercessors. Take your place on the wall. Do not be silent. Do not be passive. Do not be distracted. For I am moving, and I am looking for those who will partner with Me in this hour.”
2026 is a year of warfare, but it is also a year of divine partnership, supernatural breakthrough, and strategic victory.
Intercessors, the hour is upon us. Stand firm. Lift your voice. Engage the battle. And watch as heaven responds.
Read the full article at Refinery Life Church – 2026: A Year of Warfare — The Call and Commission of Intercessors
He Cares – No Worries!
(by Olakunle Fowosere, 17-April-2026)
Our Heavenly Fathers cares!
To God be all the glory!
Our Heavenly Father truly cares for His children.
Today, we are surrounded by so many troubles and many people are worried. So many are anxious and fearful of what is going on in the world and in their world. The worries and anxiety are having real life consequences.
Recently I came across an acquaintance and I cheerfully greeted this person with “Good morning!” but he replied that it is not a good morning for him. I asked him “Why?” He told me his best friend’s daughter had just committed suicide that morning. When I asked what happened, he told me that the deceased was so worried about all the troubles in the world and the wars, that she decided to end her own life. I was troubled by this and as I thought about it, I remembered what The Lord Jesus said in Luke 21:26–men’s hearts will fail because of fear and those troubles in our world. Today, many hearts are failing.
As God’s children, our Heavenly Father does not want us to worry. As long as we are in this world, we will be surrounded by troubles and unpleasant circumstances (John 16:33) but thank God, we have Jesus Christ in our lives. We are not immune to this world’s problems. We also face issues of war in our world, skyrocketing prices, political pressures, family challenges, health issues, etc., but we are no more of this world, and Jesus is able to shield us from the mental challenges; to keep us in peace (John 17:15-16–my paraphrase).
The Lord certainly do not want us to worry. He kept repeating in Matthew 6:25,27 and 29 not to be anxious in our thoughts. He said we are not to worry about food, drink or clothing. He certainly does not want us worrying about fuel scarcity, interest rates, etc. Jesus said those who do not have a Father in heaven (the unsaved) are constantly worrying about these. We are human beings and we are still flesh and blood (WE DO FEEL!), so what do we do instead of worrying?
Jesus said to seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness and the things that the world is worrying about will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). He did not say to not do other things like work, travelling, schooling, and other things we do in this earthly life, but seeking His Kingdom should take priority.
The Holy Spirit revealed through Paul in Romans 14:17 that God’s Kingdom is not the mundane things of this world like eating and drinking, but “righteousness, and peace, and joy in The Holy Ghost”.
Seeking God’s kingdom is seeking God’s righteousness in this anxious world (yes, He has already made us righteous but we should still seek it).
We must seek peace with God (keep a clear conscience always and be quick to confess any sin), seek peace with other human beings (Romans 12:18), and keep His peace within our own hearts.
We must seek the joy of the Lord, which is found in His presence (Psalm 16:11). His Joy will strengthen us (Nehemiah 8:10) in this present troubled world. We may not always be happy with what is happening around us but the Lord’s joy will be like a well inside of us, continuously refreshing us.
We must seek to be filled daily by God’s Spirit because He brings that righteousness, peace and joy into our hearts , minds and lives. Let us ask Jesus to fill us daily with His Spirit (Matthew 3:11).
Our Heavenly Dad cares!
Jesus cares!
God’s Spirit cares!
When anxious thoughts come, let’s learn to cast them to Jesus, because He cares and wants to help (1 Peter 5:7). We simply talk to Him in prayer and believe he has heard us (1 john 5:14-15). He may not give us the Ice Cream we are asking for, but He will always give us our daily bread.
Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, said in Matthew 6:34 that we are not to be consumed by anxious thoughts about tomorrow. Why worry about something that has not happened? When tomorrow comes and we need help – we go and ask our Heavenly Dad (He already knows – Matthew 6:8).
Shalom,
Olakunle.
Be Still and Know That I Am God (YouTube) – Joy Everingham
Prayer Strategy for the Attorney‑General’s Department in Australia
A structured, multi layered approach to intercession
(compiled by Lilian Schmid)
The following is a strategic guide to pray for the Attorney General’s Department (AGD) in the Australian Government, the related entity of the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS), and for legal issues and initiatives that impact Australia.
(If you’re not in Australia, you can do your own research on your nation and build a similar prayer strategy – work with the Holy Spirit on this!)
1. Leadership & Governance
Focus: The Attorney‑General, departmental executives, policy leaders, and legal advisers.
Why: They oversee federal legal affairs, public security, human rights, and national justice frameworks.
Prayer Points
- Pray for wisdom, discernment, and moral clarity in all decisions.
- Pray that leaders uphold justice, integrity, and transparency.
- Pray for protection from undue influence, corruption, or pressure.
- Pray that their leadership strengthens Australia’s legal and democratic foundations.
Father, we lift up the Attorney-General and every leader within this department.
Grant them wisdom that is pure, discernment that cuts through confusion,
and courage to uphold justice even when it is costly.
Shield them from corruption, manipulation,
and pressure that would compromise integrity.
Let righteousness guide their decisions and truth anchor their leadership.
Strengthen them to steward Australia’s legal foundations with honour and clarity.
2. The Department’s Core Mandate
The AGD works to maintain and improve Australia’s law and justice framework, including courts, legal assistance, administrative law, and crime policy.
Prayer Points
- Pray for fair, accessible, and effective justice systems across the nation.
- Pray for reforms that promote equity, efficiency, and public trust.
- Pray that legal frameworks protect the vulnerable and uphold human dignity.
- Pray for unity and collaboration across agencies, courts, and legal bodies.
Lord, bless the work of this department as it shapes and maintains Australia’s justice system.
Let every policy, reform, and framework be guided by fairness, equity, and compassion.
Empower those who work to improve the courts, legal assistance, and administrative law.
May justice be accessible to all especially the vulnerable.
Let Your peace and wisdom rest on every collaboration, meeting, and decision.
3. Human Rights & Anti Discrimination Work
The AGD advises on policies that help people enjoy a life where their rights are respected and protected.
Prayer Points
- Pray for strong protections for human rights, freedom, and equality.
- Pray for wisdom in addressing discrimination, elder abuse, and social cohesion.
- Pray that Australia’s human rights obligations are upheld with integrity.
- Pray for compassion and justice in all human rights related decisions.
God of justice, we pray for the teams responsible for human rights, equality, and anti discrimination.
Give them insight to recognise injustice and courage to confront it.
Let their work protect the dignity of every person in Australia.
Guide them as they address elder abuse, discrimination, and social cohesion.
May compassion, truth, and respect shape every recommendation and policy.
4. National Security & Counter Terrorism
The department oversees national security laws, counter terrorism frameworks, and intelligence community reviews.
Prayer Points
- Pray for protection over Australia from threats, violence, and extremism.
- Pray for clarity and accuracy in intelligence assessments.
- Pray for balance between security and civil liberties.
- Pray for peace and stability across communities.
Lord, we pray for those safeguarding Australia’s security.
Grant them clarity, accuracy, and unity as they assess threats and develop protective laws.
Cover our nation with peace.
Help these teams balance safety with civil liberties, ensuring freedom and security walk together.
Strengthen them against fear, fatigue, and pressure.
Let wisdom prevail in every decision that affects national safety.
5. Families, Marriage & Family Law
The AGD supports family law systems, marriage regulations, and international child abduction matters.
Prayer Points
- Pray for strengthened families, peaceful dispute resolution, and child safety.
- Pray for wisdom for those handling sensitive family law cases.
- Pray for healing and restoration in families affected by conflict.
- Pray for marriage celebrants and legal practitioners to act with integrity.
Father, bless the work done in family law, marriage regulation, and child protection.
Bring peace, healing, and restoration to families in conflict.
Give wisdom to those handling sensitive cases, especially where children are involved.
Let truth, compassion, and fairness guide every judgment.
Strengthen marriage celebrants, legal practitioners, and mediators to act with integrity and care.
6. Integrity, Anti Corruption & Transparency
The department oversees counter fraud, anti corruption, and transparency schemes.
Prayer Points
- Pray for exposure of wrongdoing and protection for whistle-blowers.
- Pray for a culture of honesty, accountability, and ethical leadership.
- Pray that all public servants resist corruption and uphold the public good.
God of light, expose anything hidden that threatens justice or integrity.
Strengthen anti corruption teams with courage and clarity.
Protect whistleblowers and those who stand for truth.
Let honesty and accountability become the culture of every office and every decision.
Guard public servants from temptation and compromise.
Let righteousness rise within this department.
7. Australian Government Solicitor (AGS)
The AGS provides legal services, advice, and representation to the Commonwealth.
Prayer Points
- Pray for clarity, accuracy, and excellence in legal counsel.
- Pray for strength and resilience for lawyers handling complex cases.
- Pray for unity and professionalism across all legal teams.
Lord, bless the lawyers, advisers, and staff of the Australian Government Solicitor.
Give them sharp minds, steady hearts, and clarity in complex matters.
Strengthen them in long hours and high pressure cases.
Let unity and professionalism mark their work.
May their counsel be wise, accurate, and grounded in justice.
8. Staff Well Being & Workplace Culture
Focus: Lawyers, analysts, policy officers, administrators, security staff, and support teams.
Prayer Points
- Pray for mental health, resilience, and work life balance.
- Pray for a culture of respect, collaboration, and compassion.
- Pray for protection from burnout, stress, and workplace conflict.
- Pray for purpose and fulfilment in their service to the nation.
Father, we pray for every staff member;
from policy officers to administrators, analysts, lawyers, and support teams.
Protect their mental health, strengthen their resilience, and give them rest.
Let workplaces be filled with respect, collaboration, and kindness.
Guard them from burnout, conflict, and discouragement.
Bless their families and give them joy in their service to the nation.
9. Current National Issues & Initiatives
Current examples include:
- Ending elder abuse (National Plan 2026–2036)
- Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
- Native Title matters (Indigenous affairs)
Prayer Points
- Pray for justice, healing, and reconciliation in all national inquiries.
- Pray for wisdom in addressing social cohesion and community tensions.
- Pray for respectful engagement with First Nations communities.
Lord, guide every inquiry, reform, and national initiative under this department.
Bring justice and healing through the work on elder abuse, social cohesion, and national commissions.
Give wisdom in matters involving First Nations communities.
Let truth be revealed, reconciliation be advanced, and compassion guide every recommendation.
Strengthen those working on sensitive or painful national issues.
10. Declarations of Blessing Over the Department
Declarations
- Declare that justice, righteousness, and truth will guide every decision.
- Declare peace over every office, meeting, and courtroom.
- Declare that Australia’s legal foundations will remain strong and just.
- Declare that those who serve will do so with integrity and courage.
In the name of Jesus,
we declare that justice, truth, and righteousness will guide this department.
We declare peace over every office, courtroom, and meeting.
We declare that integrity will rise, corruption will fall, and wisdom will prevail.
We declare that those who serve will do so with courage, clarity, and honour.
We bless the Attorney General’s Department with strength, unity, and purpose.
References
Attorney-General’s Department – ag.gov.au
Australian Government Solicitor – ags.gov.au/about-us