The Rockliff Liberal Government and the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service are working together to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal people involved with the justice system.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Roger Jaensch, said funding for the Bail Support Program is delivering on the Government's commitment to build the capacity of Aboriginal community organisations to provide services that meet the needs of Aboriginal people.
"The National Agreement on Closing the Gap has focused on new ways for governments and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to work together to achieve better outcomes for all Aboriginal people," Minister Jaensch said.
"By strengthening Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations we build their capacity to deliver programs and services that are Aboriginal led and culturally sensitive.
"The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service is a good example of an Aboriginal-led Tasmanian organisation which is providing support for Aboriginal people who are released on bail.
"The program links people with culturally-safe, community-based support to address their needs, reduces the risk of reoffending and improves compliance with bail conditions.
"The Government has contributed $250,000 through the Closing the Gap Capacity Building Fund to help TALS to get the program up and running at the Launceston Magistrates Court, with the long-term plan to expand the program to Hobart, Burnie and Devonport Magistrates Courts in the future.
"The Rockliff Liberal Government is sticking to its long-term plan by doing what matters for Tasmanians and working with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations on Closing the Gap."
