A community celebration at Yuendumu today heralds the establishment of the Northern Territory's latest Law and Justice Group.
Under the auspices of the Southern Tanami Kurdiji Indigenous Corporation on behalf of the newly incorporated Kurdiji Wita Yuendumu Aboriginal Corporation, the Law and Justice Group empowers the people of Yuendumu to lead local justice initiatives including working with Community Courts.
This is one of six Law and Justice Groups established in the NT as part of the Territory Labor Government's plan to create safer communities, and strengthen cultural authority in Aboriginal communities through its Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
Other sites include Ramingining, Groote Eylandt, Maningrida, Kintore and Barunga/Wugularr.
Leadership, and respect for family, culture and country are the overarching values identified by the Yuendumu community to underpin its Law and Justice Group which will play an active role in identifying and delivering solutions to local justice issues.
Quotes attributable to Attorney General and Minister for Justice Chansey Paech:
"The Territory Labor Government knows that local solutions work best and that's why we're supporting Aboriginal leadership in the justice system.
"This is about ensuring Territorians are treated fairly within the justice system and making changes that will reduce high levels of reoffending.
"I acknowledge the long-standing work that the community of Yuendumu has done in the law and justice sector, particularly since the 1990s.
"The commitment of the community leaders to strengthen cultural authority and decision making is highly commendable and that's why our Government is proud to support the Yuendumu Law and Justice Group."
