The impact of Think Tanks’ work has been immense; humanising the incarceration experience for incarcerated people and enhancing their chances of engagement in pro-social activities and thereby reduced reoffending. For example,
- Operational prison-based reforms - the formulation, development and implementation of incentives programs rewarding positive behaviour of incarcerated people; introduction of an easy-to-read relatable induction booklet for new admissions about the reality of life in prison, support and services.
- Wider systemic reforms - panels of ex-incarcerated people going back into prisons (unprecedented) to share inspirational stories about their transition back into the community; Non-Government Organisations working in reintegration space are mandated by the government to employ ex-incarcerated people (unprecedented).
- Specific reform - “Breaking Down Barriers Between Blue and Green program'' created by the Think Tanks as a part of a submission responding to the Department’s ‘Cultural Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System. The innovative ‘Between the Blue and Green’ program, with separate training workshops for newly recruited prison officers and established prison staff, aims to improve relationships by developing mutual respect and understanding, thereby enhancing incarcerated people prospects of rehabilitation and lowering their chances of reoffending. After five piloted sessions, in 2023 the ‘Between Blue and the Green’ program is set to become part of mandatory state-wide prison staff training. A senior executive from the Department of Justice commented: “This program shifts the inappropriate and outdated power dynamic between prison officers and prisoners to one of inclusion, compassion and collaboration – a life-changing game-changer for all involved.”

The success of ‘Prison-based and Community-based Think Tanks’ can be attributed to its unique operation. The Think-Tanks are set up differently and operate distinctively to all other advocacy and advisory groups in Australia (such as FlatOut and Sisters Inside) as their advice is incremental, apolitical and led by the voices of contemporary lived experience. When arguing for systemic change, latest empirical research and practical strategies for improvement are provided to stakeholders.
Dr Martinovic trains members in understanding the complexities of policy-making, policy reform and incremental change. Members are encouraged to consider issues not only from their individual viewpoint, but also from a holistic perspective where they reflect on the wider concerns of others who are experiencing the CJS. Incarcerated/ex-incarcerated people engaged in the Think-Tanks attain a sense of purpose, gain or regain their sense of confidence and worth, and create prosocial relationships built through mutual learning and understanding.
What also sets the ‘Prison-based and Community-based Think-Tanks’ apart is their primary advisory capacity and close partnerships with government agencies, particularly Department of Justice and Community Safety. Other organisations are mainly advocacy groups, without partnerships with government agencies and visions to totally reform the CJS’s punitive ideology and operation. Members are educated about the complicated connection between policy-making and the role of politics in designing innovative strategies. They develop skills in negotiation and teamwork, and learn to work through situations when there is vehement disagreement and a unified position required. This builds their capacity for personal and professional growth.

In addition to stakeholder consultations which have resulted in systemic changes, the Community-based Think Tank has been offering a host of creative, community-building initiatives, such as:
• Newsletters - written by people in custody for people in custody, to harness and nurture hope.
• Podcast that invites people ex-prisoners, criminal justice practitioners and researchers to discuss the complexities of life in and after prison.
• Art exhibitions which transcend the common imagery associated with prisons, such as barbed wire and prison walls, to explore the humanity that exists beyond the confines and emphasise our shared connections.
• Community education through Victoria Law Foundation’s Law Week series, Australia-wide Social Sciences Week events, and RMIT’s Future Inclusive Festival. These initiatives evoke curiosity, serving as a powerful medium to communicate Think Tanks’ mission towards inclusion and de-stigmatisation to a wider audience.
Dr Martinovic’s vision is to create additional and ongoing opportunities for dialogue between ex-incarcerated people, policy-makers, practitioners and the wider community, in order to foster hope, respect and healing. By establishing a space for rich discussion, we work collaboratively towards a fairer, more humane Criminal Justice System, and consequently a safer society. Philanthropic funding is currently being explored.
There has been national and international interest in the Prison-based and Community-based Think Tanks. Governments in New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland (in Australia) and New Zealand have sought advice from Dr Martinovic to establish similar initiatives and understand the critical factors for success. Dr Martinovic has been collaborating with these governments brainstorming suitable jurisdiction-specific initiatives.