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Justice Reinvestment

Understanding Justice Reinvestment

 

Justice reinvestment is a strategic, long-term approach led by communities, focusing on crime prevention, addressing factors that lead to justice system involvement, and enhancing justice outcomes for First Nations people. Importantly, this approach doesn't negate accountability for criminal actions but rather targets the root causes of crime and emphasizes prevention strategies.

 

This process begins with community collaboration to identify effective strategies for reducing interactions with the criminal justice system, utilising community strengths, cultural knowledge, lived experiences, and data. The government's role is to respond to these community-driven proposals, signifying a pivotal shift in decision-making power to the community level.

 

Each community tailors its justice reinvestment strategy to its unique needs, potentially reviewing various existing programs to include a justice or broader community focus - all aimed at creating safer communities while addressing the underlying drivers of criminal behaviour.

The Ngarrindjeri Justice Reinvestment Initiative

 

Developed under the Kungun Ngarrindjeri Yunnan Agreement (KNYA), this initiative is centered on resourcing the NRA and the redevelopment of the KNYA Taskforce - It aims to address the root causes of the over-incarceration of Indigenous people within the Ngarrindjeri community, alongside the social determinants of health and wellbeing, and other justice-related matters such as land rights, repatriation, caring for country, and economic development.

 

The project acknowledges the Ngarrindjeri's responsibility to care for their people, both on and off Country, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living or visiting Ngarrindjeri Ruwi (Country).

Primary Objectives

 

  • Facilitating the capacity building of the Ngarrindjeri Nation to function as a sovereign entity.

  • Implementing the Ngarrindjeri Vision for Country, integrating cultural values and governance.

  • Influencing policy, planning, and investment at Federal, State, and Local levels for the Ngarrindjeri's benefit.

  • Building capacity of our Community Controlled sector 

  • Addressing key social determinants affecting the Ngarrindjeri community's health and wellbeing.

  • Reducing the over-incarceration of Aboriginal people in the region by impacting government policy and planning related to incarceration drivers.

Key Personnel

  • The Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority Board, acting as the cultural authority, manages Nation matters and the implementation of NRA's strategic framework, goals, and objectives.

  • The Research, Policy, and Planning unit, bringing together Ngarrindjeri, academic and legal experts to assist the NRA in culturally appropriate, evidence-based decision-making and the development of a Ngarrindjeri-controlled data framework.

  • The Ngarrindjeri Project Team, functioning as a secretariat, supports the NRA Board, Taskforce, and Working Group in project management, administration, and financial management.

Core Activities

  • Leader-to-Leader Engagement: Ngarrindjeri Leaders interact with Federal, State, and Local political leaders to address, reform, and prioritize Ngarrindjeri nation issues.

  • Task Force Development: The Ngarrindjeri project team collaborates with departmental heads, NGO leadership, and other Ngarrindjeri organisations to develop a strategic implementation plan, integrating Ngarrindjeri priorities into government policy and planning.

  • Embedding NRA Vision into Policy and Planning: Ensuring the NRA’s vision and goals are incorporated into policy-making processes, fostering respect for and in harmony with Ngarrindjeri Lands, Waters and People.

  • Justice Reinvestment Working Group: The Ngarrindjeri project team works with local government, government departments, NGOs, and other Ngarrindjeri organisations to address local issues, programs, and projects targeting social determinants and diversionary methods.

  • Research, Policy and Planning Unit: Collaborating on research, education, and consultancy in Indigenous nation (re)building, governance, self-determination, and data management, including political literacy, community workshops, executive education, and policy analysis.

Focus Areas

  • Shared decision making 

  • Intergenerational transfer of cultural knowledge 

  • Criminal Justice System reforms, including policing, legal representation, court processes, incarceration, restorative justice, juvenile justice, and women’s justice issues.

  • Social Justice and Human Rights advocacy.

  • Health and Wellbeing initiatives.

  • Family and Community support programs.

  • Economic Justice initiatives.

  • Cultural Preservation and Rights protection.

  • Land and Environmental Justice.

  • Education and Awareness programs.

  • Policy and Advocacy efforts.

  • Repatriation initiatives.

Key Partnerships​

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To effectively support the Ngarrindjeri Justice Reinvestment Project, a strategic approach involving key partnerships is essential. These collaborations should provide a holistic response to the complex challenges faced by the Ngarrindjeri community.

 

Here's a high-level overview of the crucial partnerships:

 

1. Government Partnerships

 

Federal Government: Provide long-term funding, support data collection and analysis, and connections with Justice Reinvestment Network Australia.

 

State Government: Engage in policy reform, funding, and resource provision for state-wide legal, educational, and health initiatives. Collaborate on housing and child protection policies.

 

Local Government: Focus on localized support services, community-specific policy reform, and access to local resources, including community safety initiatives.

 

2. Health and Social Services

 

  • Collaborate with healthcare providers and organisations to address physical, mental health, and substance abuse treatment needs and improved service access.

  • Partner with social service organisations for family support, domestic violence prevention, and child welfare programs.

  • Work with drug and alcohol services for treatment and rehabilitation programs.

 

3. Law Enforcement and Legal Services

 

  • Engage with SA Police for fair and culturally sensitive policing practices.

  • Collaborate with legal aid and advocacy groups for legal representation, justice system reform, and Indigenous rights advocacy.

 

4. Educational Institutions

 

  • Develop partnerships for school retention programs, vocational training, and skill development.

  • Collaborate on research and data analysis to inform program development and policy.

 

5. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

 

  • Work with NGOs on community development projects, expertise in human rights, environmental protection, and social services.

  • Partner with cultural and arts organisations for cultural preservation and community engagement.

 

6. Housing Authorities and Child Protection Agencies

 

  • Develop affordable housing solutions and address homelessness.

  • Collaborate on culturally sensitive child protection policies and practices.

 

By leveraging these partnerships, the Ngarrindjeri Justice Reinvestment Project can address the multifaceted issues contributing to over-incarceration, ensuring a more equitable and effective justice system while focusing on critical areas like health, education, legal services, and social welfare.

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