A new community-led crime prevention and diversion program in Central Australia — Mampu-Maninjaku — has received federal government backing as a "local solution" to address key drivers of crime in the region.

The program, which includes alcohol and drug counselling, will be delivered by the federal government's Central Australian Youth Link-Up Service (CAYLUS) as part of the broader Justice Reinvestment in Central Australia Program. Its core aim is to reduce the over-representation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system.

The program will also target alcohol and drug misuse — key contributors to offending — through a partnership with the Australian Childhood Foundation and the Southern Tanami Kurdiji Indigenous Corporation.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, said the initiative was designed by First Nations people and "provides a local solution to address the drivers of contact with the criminal justice system".

The Senator added the government was "committed to working with First Nations communities to deliver community-led justice reinvestment initiatives".

"This initiative will have a positive impact for people in and around Mpartntwe/Alice Springs through targeted support to the communities of Nyirripi, Willowra, Yuendumu and Outstations," she said.

Justice reinvestment is a $69 million, four-year initiative described by the federal government as a long-term, community-led strategy to prevent crime, improve safety, and reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody.

The government plans to support up to 30 such community-led justice reinvestment initiatives, with ongoing funding of $20 million per year to begin in 2026–27.

Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the evidence was clear that reducing incarceration rates and improving safety "can only be achieved through initiatives led by First Nations communities".

She said the Mampu-Maninjaku program reflects the government's ongoing commitment to partnership with communities.

"The initiative demonstrates our government's continued commitment to working in partnership with First Nations communities to develop local solutions to divert at risk adults and young people away from the criminal justice system," Ms Rowland said.

"These local solutions will deliver real and lasting change, and I am committed as Attorney-General to the continued success of the government's justice reinvestment programs."