‘Proof, not promises’: TALS’ pilot bail support program works to close the gap

Callan Morse
Callan Morse Published May 22, 2025 at 2.15pm (AWST)

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service says its pilot Bail Support Program has demonstrated the need to support people on Bail and the benefits for doing so.

Established last year as an 18-month trial, the Indigenous-designed and led initiative aims to reduce recidivism and identify root causes leading to incarceration.

The recently-concluded program (BSP) demonstrated dedicated supports significantly improve outcomes for the those on bail while also reducing state costs, according to chief executive officer, Jake Smith.

"Our pilot program was funded through the Tasmanian Government via the Closing the Gap Capacity Building Fund to develop a program dedicated to supporting Aboriginal people on bail," Mr Smith said.

"The program demonstrated that with dedicated, culturally safe supports, delivered by a local Aboriginal organisation, the barriers can be addressed that have long contributed to disproportionate representation in the justice system."

TALS said the outcomes of the BSP showed participants experienced significantly improved legal outcomes and vastly reduced remand rates, with an imprisonment rate 88 per cent lower than the national figures for Aboriginal people and 49 per cent lower than the overall Tasmanian figures.

Additionally, BSP participants experienced a 63 per cent decrease in housing instability or homelessness, a 47 per cent decrease in substance dependency, and a 30 per cent increase of formal mental health assessment and engagement in treatment.

"The pilot also showed a considerable return on investment, in that for every $1 invested in the pilot, it would save over $8 to the Tasmanian Government in prison costs," Mr Smith said.

Pilot program manager Lucas Tolputt said the impact of the BSP has been profound.

"The data speaks for itself," Mr Tolputt said.

"I am proud of what the people engaged with the program have been able to achieve."

In announcing the BSP last year, then Tasmanian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Roger Jaensch, said the partnership between the Tasmanian Government and TALS is an example new ways for governments and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to work together to achieve better outcomes for all Aboriginal people.

"By strengthening Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations we build their capacity to deliver programs and services that are Aboriginal led and culturally sensitive," Mr Jaensch said.

"The program links people with culturally-safe, community-based support to address their needs, reduces the risk of reoffending and improves compliance with bail conditions."

The Bail Support Program was made possible by Tasmanian Government funding via the Closing the Gap Capacity Building Fund.

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