Tougher sentences, more prison, victims over criminals
ACT says keeping people safe is the government's most important job. They want longer sentences for serious and repeat offenders, more prison space, and police focused on gangs and violent crime. They also want prisoners to earn earlier release by getting qualifications or learning a trade, and they want parole decisions based on proof of rehabilitation rather than government targets.
What they say they'll do
- Bring back Three Strikes — serious repeat violent or sexual offenders serve full sentences with no parole
- Expand prison capacity and remove targets to reduce prisoner numbers
- Longer sentences for attacks on vulnerable workers such as shop staff and bus drivers
- Allow prisoners early parole only if they gain literacy, a trade, or a qualification
- Keep dangerous offenders in prison based on evidence of rehabilitation, not political targets
- Focus police on frontline work against gangs and violent crime by cutting paperwork
Who this affects
People convicted of serious violent or sexual offences
Under Three Strikes rules, a second serious offence means serving the full sentence without parole, and a third means the maximum possible sentence.
Retail workers and other sole-charge or home-based workers
Offenders who assault these workers face longer sentences under new aggravating factors at sentencing.
Prisoners seeking parole
Parole would be linked to completing rehabilitation steps such as gaining literacy skills, a trade, or a qualification, rather than being granted on political targets.
General public and crime victims
ACT's policies are framed around prioritising victims' rights and keeping dangerous offenders off the streets for longer.
In their own words
“ACT believes protecting the safety and property of citizens is the government's first and most important job. The rights of victims should trump the rights of criminals.”
“Bringing back Three Strikes — second violent/sexual offence means no parole and full sentence, third means maximum sentence, to take the worst offenders out of circulation.”
“Early release for prisoners who learn to read, take on a trade, or get a qualification.”
Summarised neutrally from ACT’s own official policy (as at 2026-06-23) and checked by an editor — never paraphrased without the source linked, and never an endorsement. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Crime & Justice →
Coverage at a glance
Which party holds a published position on which topic.
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Published position∅ No stated position (verified) Not captured yet