Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees
There are nine Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees (RAJACs) across Victoria. In each region, the RAJAC advocates for and works towards more just outcomes for their community. Each RAJAC is led by an Aboriginal Justice Caucus member.
RAJACs are made up of representatives from Aboriginal community organisations responsible for delivery of justice-related services and representatives from government and other agencies. Typically, this includes Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria, Courts, Youth Justice and Victim Services.
Each RAJAC is supported by a full-time Executive Officer employed by the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) who is responsible for day-to-day management and planning for the committee.
What do RAJACs do?
RAJACS are instrumental in bridging the divide between Aboriginal communities and ‘justice’ agencies. Only by doing this can we build strong enough partnerships to implement the Aboriginal Justice Agreements (AJAs).
RAJACs advocate for program and service changes to better meet the needs of community, provide advice and expertise in the development and implementation of local initiatives, and ensure issues specific to each region are raised and responded to at Aboriginal Justice Forums (AJFs).
Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committees
Several Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committees (LAJACs) operate within each of the nine regions. LAJACs aim to strengthen relationships with local Aboriginal communities who are experiencing high levels of injustice.
The LAJACs aim to build stronger and more culturally responsive relationships between the local Aboriginal community, justice agencies, local government and community service providers.
In some cases, LAJACs are supported by a dedicated Project Officer, employed by the Department of Justice and Community Safety and located within one of its regional offices. In other cases, the RAJAC Executive Officer also supports the operation of the LAJAC.