Working with the Koori Community to Reduce Offending

The Andrews Labor Government is funding innovative community programs to help reduce the number of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.

As part of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement, grants will be made available to Koori community groups to design and implement projects that support research into reoffending and promote social and healthy activities.

Under the Community Initiatives Program, grants of up to $55,000 a year, for a maximum of two years, are available to support pilot programs or research into community-based responses to Koori justice issues.

Approved programs will undertake research into reducing negative contact between the Koori community and the criminal justice system through local, piloted initiatives that target community violence and reoffending.

Under the Frontline Youth Initiatives Program, grants of up to $110,000 a year, over a maximum of three years, are available for programs that focus on working with at-risk Koori youth from the ages of 10 to 24.

Approved programs will promote physically and socially healthy activities to reduce the likelihood of offending.

Koori communities will play a major role in determining initiatives for funding. Applications endorsed by the local Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees will be submitted to the Department of Justice and Regulation.

Submissions close at 5pm Friday 17 April 2015. For more information visit: www.justice.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General, Martin Pakula

“Victoria is the only state with a Closing the Gap justice target, because we know Aboriginal people are over-represented in the criminal justice system, and we know it’s not good enough.”

“Early intervention at a community level can have a significant effect – the rate of Aboriginal youth alleged offenders has almost halved since 2008.”

“We’re working with the Koori community to support research, promote social activities and help at-risk youth get back on track.”