Summary: Over the last twelve months the total number of prisoners across Australia jumped 11% to 34,000.  These are the figures released last week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Why is this happening? Is it a reaction to a crime wave? Are there better ways to tackle crime?

In a Forum held at the Wheeler Centre for Writing & Ideas in Melbourne, organised by Australian Human Rights Law Centre & Smart Justice, the four panelists agree there's no question fighting crime is a complicated task and requires a range of strong responses. But does locking up more and more people build a safer community?