R. G. Smith
Australian Institute of Criminology, Russell.Smith@aic.gov.au
This chapter explores the roles and activities of public sector agencies in conducting criminological research over the preceding fifty years in Australia, focussing in particular on the history of the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC). It examines the creation and development of the AIC since its inception in 1973 to illustrate the ways in which government-funded agencies have undertaken or sponsored criminological research, how extensive and effective such research has been in providing an evidence-base for public policy, and the challenges that have emerged in ensuring that relevant, ethical and independent research has been able to be conducted that meets the needs of government and the community. The chapter concludes with some observations on the future trajectory of public sector criminological research.
Biography
Dr Russell G Smith has worked at the Australian Institute of Criminology for over 20 years, carrying out research into fraud, cybercrime and professional regulation. With qualifications in law, psychology and criminology from the University of Melbourne and a PhD from King’s College London, he practised as a solicitor in the 1980s and then taught criminology at the University of Melbourne in the 1990s. He has been a member of ANZSOC for over 35 years and was its President between 2009 and 2012.