The Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 4: A Comprehensive Guide
The Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 4 (AJA4) is a historic initiative by the Victorian Government that aims to improve the justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The initiative builds on the success of the previous three phases of the AJA and draws upon the knowledge and expertise of a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, Aboriginal communities, and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS).
The AJA4 is a five-year agreement that seeks to address the underlying causes of Aboriginal offending, reduce recidivism rates, and promote cultural safety and competence within the justice system. The agreement is based on five strategic priorities that reflect the key concerns and priorities of the Aboriginal community:
1. Prevention and early intervention – to prevent offending and provide early support to those at risk of entering the justice system.
2. Diversion and alternatives to custody – to reduce the number of Aboriginal people in custody and provide more effective and culturally appropriate alternatives to imprisonment.
3. Justice reinvestment – to redirect resources from the justice system to support initiatives that prevent offending and address the root causes of crime.
4. Strengthening community justice – to build the capacity of Aboriginal communities to resolve disputes and provide justice services.
5. Cultural safety and competence – to promote cultural safety and competence in the justice system and ensure that Aboriginal people are treated fairly and respectfully.
The AJA4 is a significant step towards closing the gap in justice outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Victoria. The agreement acknowledges the systemic discrimination and historical injustices that have contributed to the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system and seeks to address these issues in a collaborative and culturally appropriate manner.
To achieve the goals of the AJA4, a range of initiatives and programs have been implemented, including:
– The establishment of a dedicated Aboriginal justice unit within the Department of Justice and Community Safety to lead the implementation of the agreement.
– The development of a cultural safety and competence framework to guide the training and development of justice sector staff.
– The expansion of diversion and community justice programs, including the Koori Court and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Justice Unit.
– The investment in justice reinvestment initiatives, including the Gannawarra Justice Reinvestment Trial.
– The establishment of a joint governance structure to oversee the implementation of the AJA4 and provide ongoing monitoring and evaluation of its effectiveness.
The AJA4 is a landmark agreement that has the potential to create real change and improve the justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. By addressing the underlying causes of offending and promoting cultural safety and competence within the justice system, the agreement represents a significant step towards reconciliation and a more just society for all Australians.
