This site is now archived (December 2006): Smart Justice was a community campaign that aimed to widen the debate about our justice system in the lead-up to the Victorian state election on November 25th, 2006. Most Factsheets and information available on this site remain useful and relevent. 

Smart Justice does not support any party but calls for investment in prevention, alternatives to custody and initiatives that tackle the causes of crime.  It is important to dispel the myths about 'law and order' and promote real solutions to crime and violence.   

We are also calling upon Victorians not to vote for divisive and dangerous 'tough on crime' policies.

 As more and more people are realising, 'Law and order' election campaigning has serious negative impacts upon our communities.  Being ‘Tough on Crime' is acting too late.  It doesn't work. It divides communities and ends up hurting ordinary people and their families. 

All victims of violence and abuse deserve protective intervention and support. Too many victims of violence, neglect, or sexual abuse themselves end up in our prisons.  We need systems that can break cycles of  offending behaviour and reduce the overall level of crime and violence. 

Evidence from around the world indicates that people really want solutions to crime and violence, not political spin. People are becoming more aware that increasing penalties and building more prisons is expensive, wasteful and simply does not work.

Go to the Latest News section for up to date info before you make your vote!