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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
This is a RCIADIC recommendation
2
Establish an independent Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee
That subject to the adoption by governments of this recommendation and the concurrence of Aboriginal communities and appropriate organisations, there be established in each State and Territory an independent Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee to provide each Government with advice on Aboriginal perceptions of criminal justice matters, and on the implementation of the recommendations of this report. The Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee in each State should be drawn from, and represent, a network of similar local or regionally based committees which can provide the State Advisory Committee with information of the views of Aboriginal people. It is most important that the views of people living outside the urban centres be incorporated. The terms of reference of each State, local or regional Advisory Committee is a matter to be negotiated between governments and Aboriginal people. The Commission suggests however that matters which might appropriately be considered include, inter alia:
a) The implementation of the recommendations of this report, or such of them as receive the endorsement of the Government;
b) Proposals for changes to policies which affect the operation of the criminal justice system;
c) Programs for crime prevention and social control which enhance Aboriginal self-management and autonomy;
d) Programs which increase the recruitment of Aboriginal people to the staff of criminal justice agencies; and
e) The dissemination of information on policies and programs between different agencies, and between parallel bodies in different States.
The Aboriginal Justice Caucus has worked in partnership with successive governments for more than 22 years, with the aim of preventing the imprisonment of First Peoples and deaths in custody, and improving the lives of First Peoples, families and communities across Victoria. The achievements of the Aboriginal Justice Caucus are important, not only in terms of advocacy, programs and initiatives, but also in the work they have done to progress reforms in criminal justice institutions.
Aboriginal Justice Caucus Assessment
The intent of Recommendation 2 was to provide government with regional and/or local representation of Aboriginal perspectives on justice matters. Action taken fully aligns with the intent of this recommendation. Some Aboriginal Justice Caucus (AJC) members felt the current Aboriginal Justice advisory structures exceeded what was originally envisioned in this recommendation.
There is a clear link between action taken and outcomes. The establishment of local, regional and statewide Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees fulfils the recommendation’s requirements. Membership of the Aboriginal Justice Caucus is ‘drawn from, and represent(s), a network of similar local or regionally based committees’ which provide information on the views of Aboriginal people and groups across Victoria.
This recommendation remains highly relevant with LAJACs, RAJACs and the AJC continuing to play a vital role as a conduit between the Aboriginal community and the justice system. This work includes advising governments on Aboriginal perceptions of criminal justice matters, driving system reforms and changes to laws and policies which affect operation of the criminal justice system, developing programs and initiatives that enhance Aboriginal decision-making and progress self-determination, and continuing to advocate for implementation of RCIADIC recommendations in all of this work.
Recommendation 2 remains a moderate priority for further work as ongoing support of the AJC helps drive ongoing improvements to laws policies and programs with the potential to reduce incarceration, increase safety in custody and progress Aboriginal self-determination.
Priority for Further Work:
Moderate
Relevance and potential impact | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low (0-2) | Moderate (3-4) | High (5-6) | |||
Extent of action taken and evidence of outcomes | High (5-6) | ||||
Moderate (3-4) | |||||
Low (0-2) | |||||
Potential Actions for Further Work
Background
The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) emphasised that matters of the Criminal Justice System were very much matters for the States and Territories. In these areas many of the recommendations were quite detailed; and as they were areas of ongoing concern; new problems would inevitably develop.
To successfully implement the recommendations, the RCIADIC recommended the establishment of an independent Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (AJAC) in each State and Territory to capture the views of Aboriginal people and advise Governments on implementation of recommendations. To accurately reflect the opinions of all Aboriginal people, the Advisory Committee should include a group of regionally based members to reflect the views of people who live in regional areas.
Actions Taken Since Last Review
Aboriginal Justice Caucus
Membership of the Aboriginal Justice Forum expanded over time to include additional Aboriginal community representatives. Collectively the Aboriginal community partners to the AJA became known as the Koori Caucus and in more recent years the Aboriginal Justice Caucus.
As described in Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja (AJA4) the purpose of the Aboriginal Justice Caucus is to be a conduit between the Aboriginal Community and the justice system. The Aboriginal Justice Caucus provides leadership, advocacy and drives continuous change to address the drivers of offending as well as system and programmatic reform within the criminal justice system.
The Aboriginal Justice Caucus is guided by values and principles which ensures that Caucus:
- Ground our work in Aboriginal cultural protocols
- Advocate for the Aboriginal community
- Provide a fearless community voice that leads to community driven change and inspires the community to be self-determining
- Lead, influence and negotiate change
- Continue to work in partnership with our stakeholder
- Analyse issues across the state
- Make well informed decisions
- Are informed and active
- Discuss issues, share ideas, local expertise and experience, problem solve and develop a common view of key issues.
The Aboriginal Justice Caucus comprises the Aboriginal signatories to Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja, Aboriginal community members of the AJF, chairpersons of each of the nine RAJACs, representatives from statewide Aboriginal justice programs, Aboriginal peak bodies and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees
The structure and evolution of the RAJAC Network focused on the broad advisory and monitoring role originally recommended by the RCIADIC. RAJACs have been encouraged to develop processes and approaches which are reflective of the needs and aspirations of their members and the communities they represent. This is reflected in the frequency and locations of meetings; matters on the agenda; and most importantly, strategies employed to advance justice-related issues.
Impact
Outputs
Framework of Operations – Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee and Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committee, 2021
While the roles and responsibilities of RAJACs don’t explicitly refer to the RCIADIC recommendation (as per part a) of this recommendation), they broadly cover ‘key issues relating to Aboriginal justice’ which address parts a) to e) of Recommendation 2.
Outcomes
AJA3 Evaluation
The evaluation of AJA3 found the AJA partnership has reached a level of maturation not replicated elsewhere. It has been instrumental in effecting real change in terms of embedding cultural awareness and the adoption of an Aboriginal lens for the development of new strategies, policies and initiatives. It has facilitated and enabled the development of strong and durable relationships between agencies and with members of the Victorian Aboriginal community. The partnership has evolved and there are now high levels of trust between the partners. This has not led to complacency on the part of any of the partners, and there remains a high demand for accountability and action.
Strong local leadership
The effectiveness of the AJA and in particular the RAJAC and LAJACs is contingent upon the strength and passion of individual members. This includes strong leaders from both the community and government. Involving the RAJACs/LAJACs in setting priorities also allows for prioritisation according to community strengths so that programs have the greatest chance of success.
Community Views
The Aboriginal Justice Caucus has worked in partnership with successive governments for more than 22 years, with the aim of preventing the imprisonment of First Peoples and deaths in custody, and improving the lives of First Peoples, families and communities across Victoria. The achievements of the Aboriginal Justice Caucus are important, not only in terms of advocacy, programs and initiatives, but also in the work they have done to progress reforms in criminal justice institutions.
Partnerships created through the RAJAC/LAJAC are helping to create a sense of ownership at the local level. RAJACs facilitate the participatory identification of needs and the development of plans to address those needs. Because they are part of, and own, the plan, local community organisations and groups and government agencies are motivated to contribute to its success. Involving the RAJACs/LAJACs in setting priorities also allows for prioritisation according to community strengths so that programs have the greatest chance of impact and success.