Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body welcomes commitment to culturally informed policing
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB) welcomes the ACT Government’s new ministerial directions for ACT Policing. The ATSIEB strongly supports the commitment to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the justice system, including:
- implementing culturally informed policing practices
- strengthening engagement through the Chief Police Officer’s Advisory Board
- supporting justice reinvestment strategies to reduce over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system.
Chairperson Maurice Walker said these initiatives mark an important step toward building a safer, more culturally responsive justice system in the ACT.
‘For too long, our people have experienced a justice system that hasn’t worked for us,’ Mr Walker said. ‘This new direction recognises that meaningful change must start with culturally informed approaches designed with, not for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.’
The ATSIEB emphasised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT stand together, ready to participate in shaping and implementing these reforms. For the reforms to work, they must centre Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) as frontline services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ACCOs are experienced and trusted voices in the justice sector. They are best positioned to lead safe, culturally responsive design.
‘We look forward to working alongside the ACT Government, ACT Policing, and our community partners to ensure this direction translates into practical, measurable change,’ Mr Walker said. ‘When culturally informed policing and justice reinvestment are done right, they don’t just keep our mob safer, they make the whole community stronger.’
The ATSIEB will continue to work with the ACT Government and the Chief Police Officer’s Advisory Board to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are central in decisions that affect policing, justice, and community safety in the ACT.
