Published: 5 Feb 2024

Three significant initiatives through the Aboriginal Justice Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making Agreement were launched in February 2024.

Communities across the Groote Archipelago now have access to an alternative to custody facility, a community court and a Law and Justice Group (LJG).

The Anindilyakwa Healing Centre for young men will provide culturally appropriate, community-based residential rehabilitation as an alternative to imprisonment.

The Anindilyakwa Land Council was instrumental in the advocacy, planning and design of the Healing Centre, and will continue to guide the facility to ensure culturally safe on-country rehabilitation.

The first 16 beds can now be accessed, with a similar number becoming available mid-2024.

Law and Justice Groups and Community Courts are commitments under the Aboriginal Justice Act (2021-2027).  They will provide a platform for Aboriginal leaders and community members to engage with the justice system and enhance justice responses and community safety through local-decision making.

Law and Justice Groups

• are Aboriginal community groups established to engage with the justice system and develop and implement culturally-appropriate place-based strategies and initiatives to improve local justice outcomes, increase safety and strengthen communities.
• will also play a key role in the new community court sentencing procedure established under new Part 6, Division 3A of the Sentencing Act 1995, including through the preparation of Aboriginal Experience Reports for Aboriginal offenders sentenced pursuant to this process.

Community Courts

• will only operate at locations with a LJG established pursuant to section 107C of the Sentencing Act.

These initiatives aim to reduce offending and imprisonment rates; engage and support Aboriginal leadership; and improve local justice responses and services.