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The Andrews Labor government in the Garden State has implemented the fourth phase of its Aboriginal Justice Agreement, which aims to strengthen self-determination and reduce over-representation in the state’s justice system.
As part of the five-year agreement – which was developed in response to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody – the state government has put forward $40.3 million for the latest phase, to better ensure strong and safe families and communities, have fewer Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system, enact a more effective justice system with greater Aboriginal involvement and increased self-determination in the justice sector.
The funding to implement the agreement includes $15 million for community-led self-determination initiatives; $12.3 million to expand Koori Courts into the County, Magistrates’ and Children’s Courts; $10.8 million for youth justice initiatives; and $2.2 million to expand the Statewide Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community Program.
In addition, a further $600,000 is being provided to begin developing a new non-custodial facility to help Aboriginal women “get back on track”.
“This is the biggest investment in the agreement’s history and sets out a framework for reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in Victoria’s justice system,” said Victorian Attorney-General Martin Pakula.
“This agreement is the product of deep and thoughtful engagement by the Aboriginal community and government and continues a proud tradition of achievement that is unique to our state.”
The announcement follows the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) endorsement of the recommendations made by the Law Council of Australia’s Project Justice Report, which advocated for Justice Impact Tests to better improve access to legal assistance.
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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Jerome Doraisamy
