Today the ACT Government announced it is commissioning an independent review into its progress in delivering on recommendations aimed at addressing the over-representation of First Nations people in the justice system.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be over-represented in the ACT criminal justice system. The Government is committed to addressing the causes of this unacceptable over-representation, in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocates have called for a review or inquiry into the over-representation of First Nations people in the justice system.
In response to these calls, the Government will engage an independent consultant to review the ACT Government's progress in implementing recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission's Report 133, Pathways to Justice – Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
In addition to this analysis, the review is expected to make recommendations for further practical measures that the reviewers consider will have an appreciable impact on over-representation rates and the experience of First Nations people who interact with the ACT's justice system.
The review will be led by a First Nations consultancy who will engage with First Nations communities, including those who have lived experience with the ACT criminal justice system.
The Government is determined to ensure a fair and equitable justice system for all members of the community.
In parallel to the establishment of this review, the Government has and will continue to invest in addressing over-representation in the justice system. Most recently, this includes $11 million through the 2022-23 Budget to deliver a range of programs and initiatives focused on addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT criminal justice system.
The Government will be seeking feedback from local First Nations community organisations on the proposed terms of reference for the independent review.
It is expected that an interim report will be delivered by March 2024, with a final report to be completed in late 2024. This will enable to Government to provide an initial response in the context of the 2024‑25 Budget.
This timeline will also enable the review to support ACT engagement in the Justice Policy Partnership under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The next stage of this work will be discussed at the Joint Council on Closing the Gap on 7 June 2023.
