1. 1 NSW ABORIGINAL JUSTICE ADVISORY COUNCIL

2. 2 NSW ABORIGINAL JUSTICE ADVISORY COUNCIL (AJAC) Independent arm of NSW Govt Established in 1993 & became a Council in 1998 Set up by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Aim: reduce number of Aboriginal people in contact with criminal justice system & promote best practice criminal justice programs & policies provide advice to Attorney & Ministers about the criminal justice system

3. 3 Current Justice Initiatives Focus on intervention and prevention Developing programs etc that prevent Aboriginal children and young people from entering the criminal justice system Raising contentious issues eg family and domestic violence

4. 4 Current Justice Issues Aboriginal children: vision is to provide them with the best start in life by supporting their early childhood development, growth & schooling & giving attention to needs of their families and carers Aboriginal young people: vision is to build their skill capacity, self worth & resilience to create healthy young individuals Per Aboriginal Justice Plan Strategic Directions 1 & 2

5. 5 Current Justice Issues - projects Our Kids: Stay Safe, Stay Strong Children’s Activity book – interactive resource tool aimed at building the awareness, skills & safety networks of Aboriginal children Developed as there was a lack of appropriate resources Culturally and age appropriate Message: violence is unacceptable, not children and young peoples fault and who to approach to for assistance Received several awards

6. 6 Current Justice Initiatives Seido Karate program – aimed at encouraging active participation in sport, increase self worth, and, ultimately to prevent Aboriginal children and young people from entering the criminal justice system Currently operating in Inner West, Sydney

7. 7 Current Justice Initiatives Desired outcomes –Reduction in crime & incarceration rates –Awareness about rights –Creating vibrant and healthy children & young people –Breakdown in cycles of violence –Educational & employment opportunities –Community wellbeing & safety

8. 8 CONTACT US AJAC Ph: 02 8688 8106 E: contact_ajac@agd.nsw.gov.aucontact_ajac@agd.nsw.gov.au W: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/ajac