The Territory Labor Government is working with Aboriginal communities to reduce re-offending rates and improve community safety by providing local residents a greater say in justice outcomes.
The NT Government is investing $1million to support the Barunga-Wugularr Law, Culture and Justice Committee to improve community safety and deliver justice solutions that work for their communities.
Identified as a key action under the Bagala Traditional Owners Decision Making Agreement, the Committee will work to reduce offending and recidivism rates by providing positive school, work and extra-curricular pathways for young people as well as identify on country rehabilitation opportunities.
The Law, Culture and Justice Committee will aim to work closely with Police on local matters, design new youth programs based on identified gaps and work towards establishing a community court for Barunga and Wugularr communities.
The first of its kind in the Big Rivers Region, and the sixth group formally recognised under the Aboriginal Justice Agreement, Law and Justice Groups are a key commitment under the Aboriginal Justice Agreement to engage and support Aboriginal leadership.
Law and Justice Groups will help to strengthen cultural authority and leadership in Aboriginal communities and ultimately contribute to increased community safety and better justice outcomes.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
"We're working with Aboriginal communities across the Territory to reduce crime, improve community safety and deliver solutions that work."
"This agreement with the Bagala Traditional Owners will help to develop safer communities with greater opportunities for young people in Barunga and Wugularr."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Chansey Paech:
"Our Government is supporting Law and Justice Groups across the Territory to strengthen cultural authority in Aboriginal communities as part of our commitment under the Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
"We know that local solutions work best and that's why we're investing in engaging Aboriginal leadership in the justice system.
"Law and Justice Groups are already operating in several areas from Kintore in the southwest to the Groote Archipelago in the northeast, and it's excellent news that the Bagala Traditional Owners from Barunga and Wugularr now have their own Law, Culture and Justice Committee."
Quotes attributable to Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo:
"The Lawler Labor Government continues to invest in the bush and in local leadership to find long-term and culturally appropriate solutions for remote communities across the Territory.
"As the local member for Barunga and Wugularr communities and Minister for Local Decision Making (LDM), this is what the LDM Agreements are all about - Government acknowledging the strong leadership of the community and working together with Aboriginal Territorians - our Labor Government believes in listening and working alongside community."
"This new Committee will support finding local justice solutions that work for their two communities".
Northern Territory Government
