Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities are being invited to apply for local justice reinvestment initiatives as part of the Government’s landmark National Justice Reinvestment Program.
Announced by the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, $69 million had been allocated to support up to 30 community-led Justice Reinvestment initiatives as part of the historic First Nations Justice package, the largest commitment to justice reinvestment ever delivered by the Commonwealth.
Ms Burney welcomed the initiatives saying the landmark National Justice Reinvestment Program had been designed in partnership with First Nations people to ensure their voices were heard and community needs and interests were at the forefront of all opportunities to improve justice outcomes.
“Success will look different in every community which is why the Government is dedicated to supporting locally-led solutions that are built on the strengths of each community, the cultural knowledge of leaders and the lived experiences of First Nations people,” Ms Burney said.
“The grant program is open year-round to give communities’ time to develop place-based, community-led initiatives and apply for grants at their own pace.”
She said Justice Reinvestment supported First Nations communities and leaders to determine local solutions to divert at-risk youth and adults away from the criminal justice system.
“It’s about community-led and holistic approaches to improve peoples’ lives, and strengthen community safety,” she said.
The announcement of the initiative said the Government had already organised early funding for two priority sites – Alice Springs (NT) and Halls Creek (WA) – and was now inviting applications from communities across the nation.
Ms Burney said the announcement demonstrated the Government’s commitment to working in partnership with First Nations people and organisations to reduce the overrepresentation of young people and adults in the criminal justice system.
She said this was in line with the Priority Reforms and Outcomes 10 and 11 under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Further information about the Justice Reinvestment Program can be accessed at this PS News link.
