Attorney General and Minister for Justice
Selena Uibo
Minister for Local Decision Making and Member for Arnhem
Media Release
New justice initiatives for Groote Archipelago
5 February 2024
Communities across the Groote Archipelago are celebrating key milestones in the implementation of the Territory Labor Government's Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA) and the Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making Agreement.
Three significant initiatives launched on Friday - including an alternative to custody facility, a community court, and law and justice group - aim to reduce offending and imprisonment rates; engage and support Aboriginal leadership; and improve local justice responses and services.
The Anindilyakwa Healing Centre for young men will provide culturally appropriate, community-based residential rehabilitation as an alternative to imprisonment.
Funded by the NT Government, Australian Government, Anindilyakwa Land Council, and a philanthropic partner; the facility will be operated by Drug and Alcohol Services Australia (DASA), which also manages the inaugural Alternatives to Custody Life Skills Camp in Alice Springs.
The Anindilyakwa Land Council has been instrumental in the advocacy, planning, and design of the Healing Centre, and will continue to guide the facility to ensure culturally-safe rehabilitation on-country.
The Territory Labor Government's $13 million investment over four years includes an infrastructure contribution, and $11 million in operational funding.
Clients will have access to the first 16-bed component by March, with a matched capacity expected to be completed by mid-year.
A Community Court and the Community Justice Group have also been established with the Territory Labor Government delivering initial funding of $1.12 million over two years to support the group's work.
Supported by the NT's Local Decision Making strategy, these initiatives will address the high rates of imprisonment and recidivism in the Territory by engaging community leadership in the criminal justice sentencing process.
The first Community Court will be held in Angurugu in March following referrals from the Local Circuit Court in Groote Eylandt this month.
Quotes attributable to Attorney General and Minister for Justice Chansey Paech:
"The Territory's first Aboriginal Justice Agreement is a progressive model of delivery that supports healthy, safe, resilient communities.
"The establishment of the Alternative to Custody facility, Community Court and Law and Justice Group on Groote Eylandt are decisive steps towards delivering community-driven justice, and meeting the objectives of the AJA to reduce reoffending and imprisonment rates; engage and support Aboriginal leadership, and improve justice responses and services to Aboriginal Territorians.
"I look forward to seeing additional Alternatives to Custody facilities delivered across the Territory, including a second site in Central Australia."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Decision Making and Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo:
"The landmark 2018 Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making Agreement is a tangible demonstration that local leaders can take back control of services and decisions to build stronger communities.
"Over five years into the Agreement, measured progress against the commitments is strong with six implementation plans signed and significant progress in the transition to community control across education, housing, health and wellbeing, economic development, local government and law, justice and rehabilitation.
"I am very proud of the people across the Groote Archipelago who have worked hard to create stronger, safer communities. Their efforts underscore the effectiveness and sustainability of locally-led justice solutions.
"The launch of these Aboriginal Justice Agreement initiatives in the Groote Archipelago enables the communities to build on the solid foundation of justice they have created."
Quotes attributable to Anindilyakwa Land Council Chairman Tony Wurramarrba AO:
"The day has finally arrived for the 14 clans of this Archipelago to have a greater say in law and justice for our people.
"For too long now, we have watched mainly young Anindilyakwa men go back and forth to prison in Darwin.
"This is a broken model and until now we have had no power to fix it. But that all changes now."
