NCJ Number
194151
Date Published
October 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines the objectives of Western Australia's Aboriginal Over-Representation Project and the progress to date in its implementation.
Abstract
The objectives of the project include a reduction in the level of over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system, particularly in custodial services, and improvement in their access to justice, diversionary, victim support, and community-based services provided by Western Australia's Justice Department. Although the Department of Justice is developing a range of programs and initiatives that target Aboriginal clients, a formal, documented commitment is required to assess the impact of these efforts on the representation rate of Aboriginal people, whether related to policy development, legislation, business improvement, or operational processes. Some of the areas being targeted for assessment in terms of their impact on Aboriginal over-representation in custody and under-representation in alternatives to custody are diversion, arrest/bail, sentencing and post-sentencing, staff recruitment and training, cooperation across agencies in information sharing and change management, and improved communication between policymaking and operational entities. Work is progressing in the areas of bail reform, fines enforcement reforms, the abolition of prison sentences of 6 months and less, measures to reduce parole suspensions, the facilitation of release at earliest eligibility, and consultation with Aboriginal representatives prior to proposed legislative and administrative changes.