THIS month, the NSW Government made a renewed commitment to reduce the number of Aboriginal people in custody, and improve their health and safety if they are in custody.

In April, 39 key recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry into Aboriginal incarceration rates were handed down by a NSW parliamentary committee.

Data found on the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded that Aboriginal people made up to 27 percent of the average daily prisoner cohort in NSW.

They make up only three percent of the state’s overall population.

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said, “We can, and we must, do better.

“We will continue to work hand-in-hand with Aboriginal communicated to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal “people in the prison population and increase their safety when they are in custody.”

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Harwin said, “The over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system remains a true source of shame for this country.

“Every death that occurs when a person is in custody is a tragedy for loved ones left behind.

“The National Agreement on Closing the Gap provides us with the framework to tackle the deep-rooted causes of “Aboriginal disadvantage and represents a fundamental change to the way we work with Aboriginal partners to “achieve meaningful, permanent outcomes.”

The Government recognises that systemic changes and increased accountability are required to close the gap, including:
· Releasing the NSW Implementation Plan which sets out the first roadmap for closing the gap.

· Commencing a thematic review of Aboriginal Deaths in Custody with the aim to improve processes related to deaths in custody in Corrective Services NSW;

· Boosting funding and support for the Coronial Jurisdiction, including a new full-time coroner;

· Expanding court services and programs, including the NSW Drug Court;

· Investments to remove hanging points in correctional facilities;

· Reviewing health services in correctional facilities, and improving support for mental health and people with disabilities; and

· Improving support for people leaving custody.

 

By Rachel MCGREGOR-ALLEN