Home detention is a viable alternative to prison for less serious crimes, such as those involving traffic offences. It is tough on offenders, cheaper than fulltime prison, and most offenders complete their sentence without having to go to prison. Despite these benefits, very few offenders are sentenced to home detention. In 2008-09, the daily average number of people on home detention was 175. A decline of almost one quarter since 2002-03.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #204 - released 8 September 2010