The ACT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body will work with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and ACT Government Directorates to provide First Nations-led oversight of the implementation of recommendations in the Independent Review into the Over-representation of First Nations people in the ACT criminal justice system.
ACT Attorney-General Tara Cheyne announced the funding and governance arrangements as part of a six-month update on the government's response to the report from the Jumbunna Institute.
"A key theme of the Jumbunna report is that First Nations people understand best what is required to solve problems impacting them," the Attorney-General said.
"The report's authors make clear that the responsibility of government is to support implementation of First Nations-identified solutions to poor First Nations justice outcomes. Without doing so, the structural drivers which contribute to overrepresentation will persist."
"Establishing a First Nations-led oversight body was identified as an effective immediate response to these drivers, ensuring independent, representative First Nations-led decision-making around implementation of all review recommendations."
The Elected Body will work with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations working in the justice space and directorates to develop an implementation plan that considers how best to sequence and prioritise work to deliver on the recommendations and ongoing governance for First Nations justice issues.
To support the Elected Body to engage in this work, the government will provide additional funding for two independent justice advisors, one with expertise in child, youth and families and one to focus on adult justice. Funding for the Elected Body independent secretariat will also be increased, and members will be remunerated for additional time to focus on this work.
This arrangement will align with the current Elected Body funding arrangements to June 2027 and the government will work with the Elected Body and community to consider longer-term arrangements.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Suzanne Orr said the Elected Body was uniquely placed to undertake this role.
"The voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be critical in guiding the government's response to the recommendations, taking into account the significant work underway and the need to prioritise and sequence actions from the Jumbunna Review," Minister Orr said.
"The ACT one of the only jurisdictions with an elected voice to government for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The Elected Body bridges deep connections with community and the relationships with all levels of government necessary to progress this work.
"The government will also provide small grants for Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations (ACCOs) to support their capacity to engage in this important work. Remuneration will also be available for the United Ngunnawal Elders Council to engage in this process.
"ACCOs working in the justice space have valuable front-line experience and specialist knowledge that will be critical to identifying priorities and implementation planning."
Information on the grants process will be communicated with ACCOs over the coming months.
The new governance arrangements are in addition to other government actions in the justice and corrections portfolios since the interim response was handed down in September last year. These include:
- Progress on a bail legislation Bill to be introduced this year that includes amendments to the Bail Act to provide greater clarity on how bail applications should be dealt with when the accused person is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
- Progress by ACT Policing on the development of a framework to monitor and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of its 2023–2028 Strategy for Engagement with First Nations People and Communities, and the development of a tailored trauma-informed policing training package.
Quotes attributable to Elected Body Chairperson Maurice Walker
"ATSIEB is committed to working with community and government to reduce over representation in the justice system. Through self-determination principles, ATSIEB will work to develop mechanisms that strengthen decision-making, accountability and coordinated action.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Dr Marisa Paterson
"I am committed to working in partnership with the Elected Body on practical, community led solutions to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT criminal justice system. We must approach this work thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with clear purpose. This will ensure we make progress to drive down rates of imprisonment and recidivism.
"Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community has the answers. We must listen, support and act on their advice to implement the recommendations effectively.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children, Youth and Families Michael Pettersson
"For too many people, the path into the justice system begins in child protection or youth justice. I welcome the Elected Body's guiding hand in implementing the recommendations from this report.
"Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has already helped us raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility. It has helped us invest in therapeutic and culturally safe responses to keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people connected to family, culture and community.
"This is an important next step."
