Description

Development of the AJA2

The first phase of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA1) was launched in June 2000 and was reviewed four years later. The review recommended that Government and the Koori community renew their commitment to the Agreement by developing its second phase (AJA2). This document describes that re-commitment.

The Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF) established a Steering Committee to oversee the development of the AJA2 in 2005. Its membership reflected that of the AJF and emphasised the continuing partnership between Government and the Koori community in addressing Koori over-representation in Victoria’s criminal justice system. Development of the AJA2 was undertaken in accordance with the principles articulated in AJA1.

As part of the process to develop the AJA2, the Steering Committee:

• Examined patterns of Koori contact with the criminal justice system.
• Investigated national and international ‘best practice’ models used to respond to Indigenous justice issues.
• Emphasised the importance of holistic and local platforms in responding to overrepresentation.
• Analysed recommendations from key reviews relating to Koori over-representation.
• Sought to strengthen development of Koori-specific strategies within justice agencies and Juvenile Justice and Youth Services.
• Continually negotiated and tested ideas with community and government stakeholders.

Why have an AJA2

The Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA1):

• Set out aims and strategic directions to be pursued.
• Identified agreed principles to guide actions.
• Specified the roles and responsibilities of the signatories to the AJA.
• Formed the basis for achieving equity between parties.
• Identified key results to be monitored and evaluated.
• Identified specific projects and systemic reforms.

The purpose of the AJA’s reforms will be to:

• Continue to develop a shared vision and agreed priorities for action within government and community sectors.
• Enhance appropriate systems for monitoring outcomes.
• Continue to develop stronger and more sustainable approaches to tackling the many issues associated with over-representation of Koories in the Victorian justice system.
• Continue to empower local Koori communities to become involved in justice policy, planning and service delivery.
• Reduce duplication in service delivery and target effort and resources more effectively.
• Share ideas and expertise.
• Increase accountability and transparency in decision making.
• Contribute to collaborative approaches across government and community to improve justice outcomes for the Koori community.

Related Items

• Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement: A Partnership between the Victorian Government and the Koori Community