The draft Aboriginal Justice Agreement is an important step towards addressing the ongoing issues faced by Aboriginal communities in the justice system. The agreement aims to improve the relationship between the justice system and Indigenous people by prioritizing Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and practices.

The agreement is being developed in partnership with Indigenous communities, justice agencies, and the Victorian Government. It is the first of its kind in Victoria and aims to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system.

The agreement seeks to achieve positive outcomes for Indigenous people by focusing on prevention, early intervention, and diversions from the justice system. It also aims to address the root causes of offending, such as social and economic disadvantage, by promoting community-led solutions.

The draft agreement has been developed through extensive consultation with Indigenous communities, justice agencies, and other stakeholders. The consultations have helped to identify the key priorities and challenges faced by Indigenous people in the justice system.

One of the key priorities identified is the need for greater cultural understanding and respect within the justice system. This includes improving the cultural competency of justice agencies, ensuring that Indigenous people are able to access justice services without discrimination, and building trust between Indigenous communities and the justice system.

The draft agreement also prioritizes the need for Indigenous-led solutions, recognizing that Indigenous people are best placed to identify and address the issues affecting their communities. This includes supporting the development of Indigenous justice models and working in partnership with Indigenous communities to deliver justice outcomes.

Overall, the draft Aboriginal Justice Agreement provides a framework for improving the relationship between the justice system and Indigenous communities. It prioritizes Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and practices, and seeks to address the root causes of offending. By supporting community-led solutions and promoting cultural understanding, the agreement has the potential to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system and promote positive outcomes for Indigenous communities.