The Albanese Government is partnering with the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research to assist in formal consultation on the National Justice Reinvestment Program and establishing a National Justice Reinvestment Unit.
In our first Budget the Albanese Government made a historic $81.5 million commitment in justice reinvestment, the largest funding package in justice reinvestment ever committed by the Commonwealth.
This includes $69 million to establish a national justice reinvestment grants program for up to 30 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives and $12.5 million to establish an independent national justice reinvestment unit.
These investments reflect our commitment to national action on First Nations justice as a priority under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, as well as our commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented at every point in the justice system. Turning the tide on the unacceptably high rate of incarceration and deaths in custody is a key priority for the Albanese Government.
Justice reinvestment works with First Nations communities to identify the best ways to prevent and reduce contact with the criminal justice system, informed by local stories, evidence and data.
In recognition of the role that States and Territories have in justice outcomes, the Government will be seeking co-funding and data sharing arrangements as part of the national justice reinvestment program.
Consultations are a chance for First Nations communities and organisations, justice experts and non-government representatives to have their say on how the program and unit should be developed ahead of a national grants program in July 2023.
Information on how to make a submission is available at https://consultations.ag.gov.au/legal-system/justice-reinvestment-program/.