Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Albanese Labor Government is investing an additional $2 million in the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), to support First Nations young people and adults being released from custody and help reduce reoffending rates.
NAAJA's throughcare services provide culturally appropriate intensive case management for people preparing to leave prison or detention and return to their communities.
Participants work with throughcare staff to develop individual case plans that identify their needs, goals and risks.
They are also supported to access services that strengthen protective factors and address the underlying causes of offending.
Supports available include housing, education and employment opportunities, income support, health and mental health services, cultural connection, and social and emotional wellbeing support.
Evidence shows throughcare services help reduce reoffending rates and deliver other positive outcomes.
Independent evaluation of National Indigenous Australians Agency-funded throughcare services in 2024 found the average recidivism rate among adults using the supports was 43 per cent compared to 57 per cent for all First Nations adults released from custody in 2020-21.
The Productivity Commission's latest Closing the Gap Annual Data Compilation Report shows the Northern Territory is worsening against Target 10, adult incarceration and Target 11, youth detention.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"Throughcare services help people leave custody and return to their families and communities by connecting them with the support they need to build safer, healthier and more stable lives.
"This additional investment will help more First Nations young people and adults people access support with housing, education, employment, health services and cultural connection.
"Community-led organisations like NAAJA play an important role in achieving better justice outcomes and supporting self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
Quotes attributable to North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency CEO, Ben Grimes:
"Culturally safe throughcare services directly contribute to community safety by supporting the safe reintegration of people back into the community.
"This investment directly supports community safety in the Northern Territory.
"Demand for NAAJA services has significantly increased in the past two years. This additional funding boost allows NAAJA to continue providing crucial front-line services to Aboriginal Territorians and their families."
