Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation has urged reform of the Broome Courthouse and broader Western Australian justice system, warning that unsafe court infrastructure, "chronic" underfunding of support services, and gaps in rehabilitation programs are driving "a cycle of harm across the Kimberley" in WA's north.

Djarindjin Chairperson Brian Lee, a long‑time advocate for justice reform on the Dampier Peninsula, said the system is failing to break the cycle of offending.

"We see our own mob coming in and going out of the system in a circle," Mr Lee said.

"The justice system is not set up adequately to provide rehabilitation for people who are constantly in and out. Without real support, nothing changes, and communities pay the price."

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation noted that many people are released back into communities without access to meaningful rehabilitation, mental health support or drug treatment, particularly those serving short sentences.

Key services 'severely underfunded and overstretched'

Djarindjin chief executive Nathan McIvor, who has nearly two decades of experience across Corrections, Community Patrols and justice services, said the gaps in the system are "well known, and dangerous".

"Offenders with six months or less in prison generally have no access to rehabilitative programs," Mr McIvor said.

"The services that are funded to support people when they return to community are already severely underfunded and overstretched."

Mr McIvor warned that communities are being expected to manage highly complex issues without the resources or expertise required.

"Communities themselves don't have the capacity to deal with many of the new issues we are facing, drug misuse, drug‑induced psychosis and severe mental health conditions. This places every single person at risk of harm," he said.

"Not enough is being done to properly fund the services that put themselves on the line every day dealing with criminal activity, let alone supporting those who do the right thing and just need help to stay on track."

'Safety cannot be guaranteed' at courthouse

Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation said systemic failures in the justice system are compounded by what Djarindjin described as an "unfit‑for‑purpose" Broome Courthouse, where "safety and confidentiality cannot be guaranteed".

The Indigenous-led community organisation noted witnesses, victims, lawyers and members of the public are regularly forced to share space with alleged perpetrators, hold legal conversations in vehicles or public areas, and wait outdoors due to lack of safe facilities

"The courthouse is not just for criminal matters," Mr McIvor said.

"It's a public building. People attend for civil matters, family law, documents and affirmations. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected when accessing justice."

Mr McIvor and his colleagues said the absence of guaranteed confidential meeting spaces and assured witness and victim safety, and the escalating risk faced by Court staff and the Magistrate, was "unacceptable".

"This is not 1826," Mr Lee said.

"We expect better. We expect dignity, safety and fairness for everyone who comes through the justice system, no matter who they are."

Fixing the system is 'not optional'

In a statement issued late on Wednnesday, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation urged the WA Government to: acknowledge the Broome Courthouse is no longer fit for purpose; urgently upgrade safety, security and confidential facilities; Fund culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs; significantly increase funding for justice, mental health and outreach services; and commit to a long‑term, modern courthouse for the Kimberley

"Safe courts, real rehabilitation and properly resourced services are not optional," Mr Lee said.

"They are essential if we are serious about justice for everyone."

A spokesperson for the WA Justice Department told National Indigenous Times "work is continuing to improve court safety, security and functionality, and to strengthen justice, rehabilitation and support services in the region, including culturally appropriate responses for Aboriginal people".

"Planning for future infrastructure and service improvements in the Kimberley is ongoing. The Department is committed to working with local communities, service providers and justice partners to improve outcomes across the Kimberley," they said.

"The Department is also committed to increasing rehabilitation programs that are culturally safe and meet the needs of Aboriginal people, such as the Not Our Way family and domestic violence program being delivered at West Kimberley Regional Prison and in the Broome community."