The ACT Government has released the Jumbunna Institute’s final report of its Independent Review into the Over-Representation of First Nations People in the ACT Criminal Justice System.
The comprehensive 527-page report, which was commissioned by the ACT Government, contains 99 recommendations that span across the spectrum of government, including corrective services, community supports, policing, courts and sentencing, the administration of bail, youth justice, child protection, and education.
The recommendations range across numerous themes including the need to address systemic racism, improved access to data, increased First Nations involvement in governance structures, and increased accountability.
It has also identified the need to build on and expand important government programs and services that already exist in youth justice, child protection, the Galambany Court, bail support, post-release support and detainee programs.
Professor of Criminology at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney, Chris Cunneen said the Institute had provided the ACT Government with a comprehensive blueprint for tackling the problem of First Nations over-representation in the criminal legal system.
“Our report has practical recommendations for reform related to a range of matters involving child protection, youth justice, policing, bail, sentencing, the AMC and post-release support,” said Prof Cunneen.
“The report also has proposals aimed at more structural issues including addressing systemic racism and improving processes for First Nations decision-making and government accountability.
“We particularly acknowledge the wide support and participation we received from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the ACT.”
In a statement, the ACT Government remains committed to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our justice system.
“As this review shows, this is a complex challenge that will require a whole-of-government and community approach,” the Government stated.
“Given the large number of recommendations, we will now consider the review thoroughly before providing an interim response in September.”
In developing this report, the Jumbunna Institute undertook extensive consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and organisations, as well as non-Aboriginal organisations with First Nations programs and staff.
“This review provides an honest and critical assessment of how our justice system affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It reinforces the need to ensure that our laws, institutions and processes deliver justice fairly and equitably for everyone,” said Attorney-General, Tara Cheyne.
“As Attorney-General, I take seriously the responsibility to lead reforms that uphold human rights, build public trust, and ensure better outcomes for First Nations people. I recognise this report lays bare that for change to occur, the recommendations need to be considered in totality and through their interconnectedness, and all parts and levels of Government need to share a commitment to achieving better outcomes. We will consider the recommendations in full and work closely with community and across government to deliver meaningful change.”
Key ACT Government stakeholders were also included in the consultation process, including ACT Policing, ACT Corrective Services, ACT Courts and Tribunal and the Education Directorate.
“The over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the justice system is one of the starkest examples of where our systems and institutions are failing,” said Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Suzanne Orr.
“While other states and territories may be walking back their commitments for justice reform this report is the start of the ACT walking with community to do much much more.”
Minister for Corrections and Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Marisa Paterson said the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT justice system was unacceptable and must change.
“This report is an important reminder of work still to be done,” she said.
“ACT Corrective Services has already begun work to improve outcomes, but this review provides a valuable and necessary roadmap for deeper reform. I am committed to ensuring our correctional system is safe, culturally appropriate, and genuinely rehabilitative.”
