Australia is undergoing one of its largest prison infrastructure overhauls in decades, with states investing billions to combat overcrowding, modernise ageing facilities, and improve safety and rehabilitation outcomes. Nationally, inmate numbers have surged to nearly 47,000, prompting major builds and upgrades across youth justice centres, maximum-security units, and regional prisons.

From Queensland’s new $1B Woodford Youth Detention Centre and the 1,500-bed Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre, to Victoria’s $727M expansion across Cherry Creek, Parkville and Malmsbury, investment is accelerating nationwide. Tasmania, WA and SA are simultaneously rolling out critical upgrades, security modernisation programs, new technology systems, and expanded bed capacity—many incorporating AI, VR training, body-worn cameras and advanced perimeter security.

As states push to address rising remand populations, improve mental health support, and deliver safer environments for staff and inmates, Australia’s corrections sector is entering a transformative new era of large-scale construction, modernisation and innovation.