The Justice Reinvestment Advisory Group (JRAG) is pleased to share the outcomes from our relaunch meeting. Benedict Stevens, the Traditional Owner of Mparntwe, opened the meeting with a beautiful Welcome to Country.

The Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation, the lead organisation for Justice Reinvestment, officially relaunched the meeting. CEO Scott McConnell, Justice Reinvestment Manager Jane Ndove, and Interim Justice Reinvestment Backbone Coordinator Tracy Minniecon discussed the scope of Justice Reinvestment, their hopes for change, and their commitment to collaboration.

The meeting included a diverse blend of both familiar faces and newcomers, which facilitated dynamic conversations. Attendees expressed their fondness for living in Mparntwe and shared personal anecdotes and interests. During a roundtable discussion on the ‘drivers of crime’ in Mparntwe, members highlighted various issues including social exclusion, factors influencing health outcomes, complexities in service design, conditions related to bail, urban migration pressures, limited access to services, historical impacts of colonisation, intergenerational trauma, inadequate investment in remote communities, rigidities within the education system, poverty, and the marginalisation of Elders.

In an endeavour to broaden our understanding of Justice Reinvestment, Harley Dannatt, Legal Aid Senior Solicitor, and Clare Horsfall, Senior Manager, Jesuit Social Services, provided insights into the history and current initiatives of Justice Reinvestment in Katherine. Harley discussed early informal efforts beginning in 2015 and the implementation of two "circuit breakers" providing practical support and mentorship for young people. Clare detailed the community-led governance structure, emphasising the integration of Justice Reinvestment into all aspects of community life and the importance of a strong community voice.

Further round-table discussion included, effective crime reduction strategies such as restorative programs, family support, workforce training, community engagement, early intervention, and cultural initiatives. They also identified barriers to implementing Justice Reinvestment, including funding limitations, political cycles, measurement challenges, and community frustrations. Proposed solutions focused on evidence-based planning, adaptive strategies, thorough needs assessments, and empowering communities with resources and tools.

The meeting concluded with guest speaker Ursula Carolyn, Assistant Secretary of the Criminal Justice Reform Taskforce at the Attorney-General’s Department, provided an overview of Justice Reinvestment. Ursula stressed the importance of community-led initiatives, place-based approaches, data-driven strategies, addressing the drivers of crime, and systems change. She highlighted the significance of building data capacity and community collaboration and encouraged participation in the Community of Practice (CoP) for Justice Reinvestment.

Please note upcoming events include:

• Justice Reinvestment Summit, WA on July 16-17
• Katherine Justice Reinvestment Symposium on September 18-19.

The next Justice Reinvestment Advisory Group meeting is proposed for July 31, 2024.