Draft National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework

The draft National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework has been released for consultation by the Commonwealth Government. The LSNT Indigenous Issues Committee is considering the draft framework. Interested people are encouraged to make comments on the draft framework. Comments are due to the Indigenous Policy Section of the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department by 31 July 2009. Comments can also be sent to Barbie McDermott for consideration by the LSNT Indigenous Issues Committee.

The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General has developed the draft National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework (draft Framework) to provide a national approach to serious and complex justice issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The draft Framework takes a holistic approach to addressing the underlying causes and ongoing consequences of Indigenous peoples' interactions with the Australian justice systems, both as victims and offenders. The main goals of the draft Framework are to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system, reduce alcohol and substance abuse, and increase community safety.

At its April 2009 meeting, SCAG agreed to release the draft Framework for a three month targeted consultation. An extensive public consultation process was carried out in late 2007 on the then National Indigenous Law and Justice Strategy and the outcomes of that consultation have been incorporated into this draft. The purpose of this consultation is to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to continue to engage in the development of the National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework.

Page last updated 4 June 2009