Question On Notice No. 2 asked in the Legislative Council on 4 May 2021 by Hon Nick Goiran
Question Directed to the: Parliamentary Secretary representing the Attorney General
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the election
commitment made to invest in the Western Desert Justice Program, east
of Newman (Martu Country), and I ask:
(a) what does this program involve;
(b) when will this investment commence;
(c) what are the objectives of this program; and
(d) how will the success of the program be measured?
Answered on 1 June 2021
a) The Western Desert Justice Program (the Program) has been designed and developed in consultation with the Martu people. It is intended to reduce the contact that adult and young Martu people have with the justice system. This involves prevention, intervention, diversion and transition away from the justice system. The program is culturally appropriate and involves a comprehensive “end to end” case management model that commences at the first point of contact with the justice system and continues to the last point of contact.
b) The investment is expected to commence during the 2021-22 Budget.
c) The aim of the Program is to reduce Martu incarceration through prevention, diversion and culturally delivered programs.
d) The Department of Justice will measure the success of the Program against:
• Reduced Imprisonment of Martu People,
• Reduced Over-representation of Aboriginal People in the Justice system,
• Value for Money, and
Its contribution to the 2020 Closing the Gap targets.