The Department of Justice has named the inaugural members of a committee of Aboriginal people it has appointed to provide cultural advice and guidance on justice issues.
In a statement, the Department said the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (AJAC) would help identify and suggest improvements to initiatives, policies and strategies to help the Department achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal people.
It said the AJAC would also support the Department through reciprocal expertise and knowledge-sharing with Aboriginal people, communities and other Government Agencies.
The Department said the AJAC comprised nine men and women who reflected Western Australia’s diverse Aboriginal community.
The appointees are Merle Carter, Jacob Collard, Mitchell Drage, Joslyn Eades-Tass, Daniel English, George Hayden, Justin Kickett, Kylie Le Lievre and Ella Smith.
Director General of the Department of Justice, Adam Tomison will chair the AJAC and Director of Aboriginal Justice Transformation, Gina Hill (pictured) will provide secretariat support.
The terms of appointment end on 30 September 2023.
Attorney General, John Quigley said the initiative would help the Government meet its commitment to address the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system.
“We cannot over-estimate the importance of having an Aboriginal consultative body to support and guide strategic policy affecting some of our State’s most vulnerable people,” Mr Quigley said.
Minister for Corrective Services, Bill Johnston said the people chosen for the Committee were uniquely qualified and had considerable knowledge of the justice system.
“The Government needs the AJAC to keep connected, informed and responsive to the Aboriginal community on justice-related matters,” Mr Johnston said.
“The Committee will also greatly assist the Department of Justice in its role to achieve justice targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap,” he said.
