The ACT Government has announced that the Jumbunna Institute of Indigenous Education and Research, at the University of Technology Sydney, will lead an independent review into the over-representation of First Nations people in the justice system.
"The ACT Government is committed to reducing the over-representation of First Nations people in the justice system," said Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury.
"This independent review will provide a comprehensive and impartial examination."
The review will be led by Professor Lindon Coombes, a descendant of the Yuallaraay people of north-west NSW. Professor Coombes leads a distinguished team of First Nations and non-First Nations researchers.
Jumbunna will work closely with First Nations people in the ACT and will engage with those who have lived experience – including young people – of the ACT justice system.
"The Jumbunna Institute has extensive experience in this type of work and the team will provide invaluable insights to help us provide better outcomes for First Nations people," Minister Rattenbury said.
"Jumbunna has recent experience working in the ACT, where it led co-design work on the establishment of the ACT's first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Commissioner."
To address the issue of over-representation, the government has set goals which include reducing the incarceration of First Nations peoples to match non-Indigenous incarceration rates by 2031.
The review's first report, which is expected in May, will provide an assessment of the ACT's implementation of the Australian Law Reform Commission's (ALRC) recommendations in its Pathways to Justice Report – Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The ALRC identified its recommendations as key steps for all Australian jurisdictions to take to reduce First Nations overrepresentation in the justice system.
The review's final report, which is expected to be delivered late this year, will contain recommendations on additional practical measures that would have an appreciable impact on over-representation rates of First Nations people in incarceration in the ACT.
"The overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our justice system is unacceptable. We have heard very clearly from across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community that this is a matter which requires greater examination and renewed commitment from Government" said Minister Stephen-Smith.
"The legacy of colonisation and dispossession continues to have far-reaching impacts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country. To deliver generational change and close the gap, we must do more to address systemic racism while empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to identify and implement strength-based solutions. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of Jumbunna Institute's engagement on this critical issue."
Minister for Corrections and Justice Health Emma Davidson said deeply listening to First Nations people will help them live healthier, safer and better supported in the community.
"A justice system that focuses on the needs of the individual will mean better life outcomes for them and a safer community. Too many First Nations people are cycling in and out of our justice system which shows we need improved, culturally appropriate and holistic health and social services in the community. Doing this right will reduce harmful behaviour and improve life outcomes for Canberra's First Nations communities," Minister Davidson said.
Quotes attributable to Jumbunna Institute lead Professor Lindon Coombes:
"The extent of over-representation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system in the ACT is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed.
"Jumbunna brings together a highly skilled team to conduct this review. We will work closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the ACT to develop practical recommendations for the ACT Government.
"Working together, we are confident we can bring about the necessary changes."
