The federal government has announced the next six initiatives as part of their commitment to justice reinvestment—the largest in Commonwealth history.
The long-term, community-led approach to justice reinvestment aims to prevent crime, improve community safety, and reduce the number of First Nations people in contact with the criminal justice system.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the government was committed to working with and supporting First Nations communities to deliver the justice reinvestment.
"Justice reinvestment enables First Nations communities to develop and implement their own solutions, working with local services on the ground who understand the issues in the region," she said.
"Investment in these projects will support safer First Nations communities and help to Close the Gap."
The package sees a commitment of $79 million to support up to 30 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives in First Nations communities across Australia, with the latest announcement the first to include investment in Victoria.
The community-led justice reinvestment initiatives selected after "a rigorous assessment process" by an independent panel, which takes the total number of initiatives to 26, were: Kurdiji Aboriginal Corporation, Lajamanu, NT; Healthy Dreaming Pty Ltd, Port Augusta, SA; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation Family Prevention and Legal Service – Djirra, Melton, Victoria; Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation, Mossman, Queensland; Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, Napranum, Queensland; and Aboriginal Male's Healing Centre Strong Spirit Strong Families, Newman, WA.
Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the initiative announcement on Monday was a demonstration of the government's 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".
"We know that reducing the incarceration of First Nations people and strengthening community safety can be achieved through initiatives led by First Nations communities," he said.
"These local solutions will deliver real and lasting change."
