Terms of Reference

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience of law enforcement and justice services, with particular reference to:

  1. the extent to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have access to legal assistance services;
  2. the adequacy of resources provided to Aboriginal legal assistance services by state, territory and Commonwealth governments;
  3. the benefits provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by Family Violence Prevention Legal Services;
  4. the consequences of mandatory sentencing regimes on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration rates;
  5. the reasons for the high incarceration rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and juveniles;
  6. the adequacy of statistical and other information currently collected and made available by state, territory and Commonwealth governments regarding issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice;
  7. the cost, availability and effectiveness of alternatives to imprisonment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, including prevention, early intervention, diversionary and rehabilitation measures;
  8. the benefits of, and challenges to, implementing a system of ‘justice targets‘; and
  9. any other relevant matters.

The reporting date is 13 October 2016.

Committee Secretariat contact:

Senate Finance and Public Administration Committees
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 3846
fpa.sen@aph.gov.au

About this inquiry

An inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience of law enforcement and justice services.



Inquiry Status

Report tabled

How to make a submission

The committee invites individuals and organisations to send in their opinions and proposals in writing (submissions)

Accessibility

If you require any special arrangements to enable you to participate in the Committee's inquiry, please contact the Committee Secretariat.

Further information regarding accessibility can be found at www.aph.gov.au/Help/Accessibility