New strategy tackles overrepresentation of First Nations peoples in the justice system

• Seven-year strategy launched to address overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland’s criminal justice system.
• First Nations Justice Officer Stephen Tillett will oversee key implementation of the strategy.
• The strategy will be supported by three Action Plans that will be co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A new strategy released today by the Miles Government will address and reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland’s criminal justice system.

Developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, leaders and organisations, the Better Justice Together: Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Strategy 2024-2031 specifically aims to improve the way the criminal justice system works for, and with, First Nations peoples.

Better Justice Together was developed through a co-design process that heard the voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Based on these insights, the strategy identifies four focus areas to transform the justice system and reduce overrepresentation:

• working together
• early intervention and prevention with local decision-making for safer communities and families
• doing justice differently for a better and fairer justice system
• address offending and reduce re-offending.

Queensland’s First Nations Justice Officer Stephen Tillett will oversee the implementation of the Strategy.

Three Action Plans will support the roll-out of the strategy, identifying the focus areas that will be delivered across the seven-year program.

Each of these action plans will be co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, along with a monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure the strategy is regularly reviewed.

The development and delivery of this strategy was a recommendation of the Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce’s first report, Hear her voice – Report One.

The Better Justice Together: Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Strategy 2024-2031 will also contribute to achieving the Miles Government’s commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“The Better Justice Together Strategy 2024-2031 is our blueprint to ensure Queensland meets the National Agreement targets of reducing the overrepresentation of First Nations peoples in the justice system.

“Too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are in contact with our justice system and are disproportionately represented in our prison population.

“Stephen Tillett and his team have the Miles Government’s full support in leading the implementation of the strategy and working together towards a fair, culturally safe justice system.

“We are committed to making real progress in achieving better justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to the Queensland First Nations Justice Officer, Stephen Tillett:

“The Better Justice Together Strategy 2024-2031 provides the pathway to shift the way the justice system works with, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland.

“I want to thank everyone who shared their experiences, stories, ideas and insights in our community consultations.

“Your voices shaped the strategy and are at the heart of this approach.

“Creating this strategy is just the beginning and we look forward to working together with all Queenslanders, organisations, and government agencies to create meaningful change.”

Further information

Learn more and read the strategy.

ENDS