In The News

Committee inquiry into Indigenous juveniles and young adults in the criminal justice system

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is inquiring into the high level of involvement of Indigenous juveniles and young adults in the criminal justice system.

Currently Indigenous prisoners comprise 25 per cent of the total prisoner population and in the Northern Territory they are 82 per cent of the prisoner population. Indigenous juveniles are 28 times more likely to be detained than non-indigenous juveniles. The early involvement of young Indigenous people in the criminal justice system puts them at a much higher risk of further involvement as adults.

This inquiry is focussing on prevention and early intervention in order to identify strategies to close the gap and assist in reducing the number of Indigenous Australians who become involved in the criminal justice system.

The Committee will be holding public hearings, meetings and inspections across the country during March, April and May. For the full terms of reference, copies of submissions and transcripts of evidence, and public hearing programs see the Committee’s website at www.aph.gov.au/atsia or contact the committee secretariat on (02) 6277 4559.

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