top of page
Frame-14-06-2016-04-01-53.png

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 the 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 the decisions-making power to the community level. 

Each community tailors it's 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 driver of criminal behaviour. 

The Ngarrindjeri Justice Reinvestment Initiative 

Developed under the Kungun Ngarrindjeri Yunnan Agreement (KNYA), this initiative is centred 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 detriments 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 Nation's responsibility to care for their people, both on and off Country, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living or visiting Ngarrindjeri Ruwe (Country). 

Primary Objectives

  • Facilitating the capacity building of the Ngarrindjeri Nation

  • Implementing the Ngarrindjeri Vision for Country

  • Influencing policy, planning and investment at Federal, State and Local Levels

  • Building capacity of our Community Controlled sector

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

  • Reducing over-incarceration of Aboriginal people in the region 

Key Personnel

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

  • The Research, Policy and Planning Unity, 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 prioritise 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 vision and goals are incorporated into policy-making processed, 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, NGO's 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 reforms

  • Social justice & Human rights advocacy 

  • Health & wellbeing initiatives

  • Family & Community support programs

  • Economic justice initiatives 

  • Cultural preservation & rights protection

  • Land & Environmental justice

  • Education & awareness programs

  • Policy & advocacy efforts

  • Repatriation initiatives 

Key Partnerships

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 crucial partnerships:

​

  • Government Partnerships​

    Federal Government: Provide long term funding, support data collection and analysis, and connections with Justise Reinvestment Network Australia.
    ​
    State Government: Engage in policy reform, funding, and resource provision for state-wide legal, education and health initiatives. Collaborate on housing and child protection issues.

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

  • 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. 
     

  • 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. 
     

  • 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. 
     

  • Non-Government Organisations (NGO's)

    Work with NGO's 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.
     

  • 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. 

Flowchart (1).png
bottom of page