The Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation is excited to announce a landmark government investment in First Nations programs.
The Australian Government is investing in nine local justice reinvestment initiatives – including the Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation in Derby, Western Australia – as part of its landmark justice reinvestment programs.
The projects announced will be the first grants delivered under those programs, and are part of the largest commitment to justice reinvestment ever delivered by the Commonwealth.
CEO of the Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation, Ben Burton, said these funds are greatly appreciated and valued by the organisation, which advocates for the rights of its members to advance the economic independence of Aboriginal people in the Derby region.
“We strive to practise our culture, provide for our people and empower our communities, so this investment will contribute towards addressing youth offending and specifically will enable us to work with the families to help deal with the factors that makes home unsafe for kids, such as overcrowding, drugs and Alcohol, family and Domestic violence.
“Everyone has a part to play in creating a safe community where our people are supported. We look forward to seeing our young people, our families and our whole community benefit from the implementation of this program,” he said.
As part of the $109 million First Nations justice package, the Australian Government has committed $79 million to supporting up to 30 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives in First Nations communities across Australia.
Acting Attorney-General, Katy Gallagher, said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are unacceptably overrepresented at every point in the justice system.
“Justice reinvestment empowers First Nations communities and leaders to develop local solutions to divert people who are at risk away from the criminal justice system.
“This is a community-led approach to improving the lives of First Nations people and strengthening community safety,” she said.
Justice reinvestment is a long-term, community-led approach to preventing crime, improving community safety and reducing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and children in custody.
Following a rigorous assessment process by an independent panel, nine organisations have been selected to deliver justice reinvestment initiatives in addition to the Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation. They are:
- Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated in Cowra, New South Wales
- Nja-marleya Cultural Leaders and Justice Group Ltd in Maningrida, Northern Territory
- Anindilyakwa Royalties Aboriginal Corporation in Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory
- Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation in Central Australia, Northern Territory
- Cherbourg Wellbeing Indigenous Corporation in Cherbourg, Queensland
- Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation in Yarrabah, Queensland
- Townsville Community Justice Group Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation in Townsville, Queensland
- Ebenezer Aboriginal Corporation in Balga, Western Australia.
The initiatives the government is announcing are in addition to the two initiatives that received early funding for justice reinvestment in Halls Creek, Western Australia and Alice Springs, Northern Territory.
Applications for funding under the Government’s justice reinvestment programs continue to be open year-round, with communities encouraged to apply when they are ready to do so.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, said this is a significant step forward for the country’s national justice reinvestment program.
“I’m so proud to be part of a government that’s truly committed to working in partnership with First Nations communities on justice reinvestment.
“We know that, to make lasting change, justice reinvestment needs to be community-led, that’s why we’re ensuring First Nations communities are front and centre when it comes to creating the solutions that will deliver for their people,” she said.
For more information regarding the programs, visit grants.gov.au.
