Western Australia's new Attorney-General, Dr Tony Buti, brings a deep understanding of the law and a quiet determination to his new role. In his first major interview with The West Australian, published this week, he laid out an ambitious reform agenda that includes coercive control laws, a judicial commission, changes to the Evidence Act, and new parole frameworks. It's clear that he is serious about the responsibilities of his portfolio - and that he intends to use his time in office to drive meaningful change.

"I see myself as the Attorney-General for the people of Western Australia," Dr Buti said. That is a powerful statement - one that invites all communities to have a stake in the justice system and its future. And it's precisely why this moment presents an important opportunity to bring Aboriginal justice into sharper focus.

Across WA, Aboriginal people continue to experience stark disparities in their interactions with the justice system. From overrepresentation in prisons to the lack of culturally appropriate diversion programs, the need for reform is urgent and well documented.

While Dr Buti's early comments rightly identify the importance of parole decisions, judicial integrity, and community safety, Aboriginal justice was notably absent from what was reported of the interview - despite being one of the most critical areas requiring attention.

This is not a criticism, but a reminder. Because Dr Buti has a unique opportunity - and a willing network of Aboriginal leaders, legal experts, and community advocates ready to walk alongside him to get this right.

We've seen what's possible when that partnership is embraced. Fitzroy Crossing's remarkable Night Place, a centre for the Kimberley town's young people, has recorded almost 10,000 visits (9636) since it opened in September 2024. The Night Place has prepared more than 15,300 meals in this period (some of the children stay long enough on a single visit to eat more than one meal during their stay).

The popular service provides a safe and supportive place for children as well as meals and access to wraparound services provided in a culturally appropriate way. Led by a local Aboriginal organisation, this kind of program is a powerful example of justice reinvestment in action.

By providing a safe place for young people to go at night - with support, guidance, and connection to culture - the program is reducing contact with police, preventing harm, and keeping kids out of the criminal justice system. It's a grassroots solution that works, and it shows that when we invest in communities, we all benefit.

There are other opportunities too - raising the age of criminal responsibility, reviewing mandatory sentencing, and supporting culturally-led bail diversion programs. Each of these requires not just legal reform, but listening, respect, and collaboration.

Leadership in this space requires empathy, vision, and the courage to centre voices that have too often been left out of the legal conversation.

We applaud the Attorney-General's early reform agenda. But if this government wants to truly strengthen community safety and restore trust in the justice system, given the history of policing and justice in Western Australia, it must also be a government that listens to Aboriginal people and works with them in partnership.

We are keen to ensure that Aboriginal justice is seen as a central pillar of the Attorney General's reform agenda.

Reece Harley is the Managing Director of the National Indigenous Times.