Better Justice Together strategy
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to be overrepresented across Queensland’s criminal justice system as offenders, victims and victim-survivors.
While 4.6% of Queensland’s population are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make up 37% of adult prisoners in custody, and 69% of young people in detention. This is unacceptable and needs to change.
The Better Justice Together: Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice strategy 2024–2031 (the strategy) is the first step in the plan for change towards a justice system that is culturally safe, free from discrimination and works for all Queenslanders.
What we heard from community
We created the strategy in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and community-controlled organisations, stakeholders who work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, government agencies and non-government organisations.
The voices, stories, insights and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples shaped the strategy.
We heard:
- communities want genuine partnerships with government—these partnerships need to be built on trust and ongoing engagement
- communities are tired of being consulted with no action—community want to see real action from government and be given access to data and information, so they can come up with place-based local solutions about what is best for their community
- the truth needs to be told about the impact of the criminal justice system on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples need the opportunity to provide ongoing advice and participate in decision-making about these truths and their impact on community.
The plan for change
The success of the strategy relies on a whole-of-government commitment to doing things differently and embracing a criminal justice system that is culturally informed by Elders and communities.
The strategy outlines 4 focus areas, based on what we heard from community, to create positive change and reduce overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These focus areas are:
- working together
- early intervention and prevention with local decision-making for safer communities and families
- doing justice differently for a better and fairer justice system
- address offending and reduce re-offending.
What success looks like
Three action plans will be released over the 7-year life of the strategy. These plans map out the path forward and track the actions needed to create real change and a fairer justice system.
Each action plan will include a list of actions under each of the focus areas above, and details on how the action will drive change and who is responsible.
The first Better Justice Together: Foundational action plan 2024–26 (the first action plan) has a focus on working in partnership to build and secure strong foundations for the strategy.
Contact
If you have questions about the strategy or first action plan, email the First Nations Justice Office at FNJO-JusticeStrategy@justice.qld.gov.au.