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Changing the record on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Incarceration
UN Review makes clear that it's time Australia got serious about reducing First Peoples' incarceration
ANTaR, national advocacy organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, today called on government to demonstrate its commitment to First Peoples' human rights by acting on the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review.
ANTaR and UNSW Law School are holding a Forum - 'Changing the record on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration', tonight to look at the issue and what needs to be done to turn around the skyrocketing incarceration rates.
The Forum will look at early intervention, prevention and diversion, as well as justice reinvestment, as approaches that need more support from government to break the cycle.
Professor Chris Cunneen, conjoint professor of criminology in the Faculty of Law of the University of New South Wales and Forum panellist said that "Justice Reinvestment is a process of reducing imprisonment levels and redirecting funding towards community development. It provides a way out of the current impasse."
Forum speaker, Senior Judge of the Drug Court, Judge Dive said that some things are just common sense – such as the Drug Court, which looks at the root causes of crime.
"By helping addicted offenders make real changes in their lives, they again become contributing members of our society," Judge Dive said.
Keenan Mundine, Forum speaker and Youth Worker with the Kool Kids program at Youth and Community Services organisation, Weave said "The opportunity I got that day in court with his honour Judge Dive has changed my life - I've had the opportunity to take a different path and through that opportunity I was able to learn new skills and live my life differently. Now I am working with Weave, studying, playing football, reconnecting with my culture, family and community and starting my own family."
Issues: Justice