Central Queensland and Wide Bay community justice groups upgrade skills

Delivery of justice services in Central Queensland indigenous communities will be enhanced through a four-day training forum starting in Rockhampton today, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said.

Mr Shine said Community Justice Group (CJG) members from Rockhampton, the Fitzroy Basin, Woorabinda, Mackay and Maryborough would attend the forum from 16 to 20 April.

“The regional forum provides participants with an opportunity for training, development and to establish networks with other CJG members,” he said.

“Members will receive training in basic conflict management process and making court submissions, as well as upgrading their communication skills.

“Feedback from participants at the first forum held recently in my hometown of Toowoomba was very positive. “

Mr Shine said the training forums had been made possible following the State Government’s recent approval of an additional $4 million over four years in funding for CJGs.

“CJGs play an important role in the implementation of a range of initiatives which aim to address the over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system,” he said.

“Their members support Indigenous victims and offenders at all stages of the legal process, encourage diversionary processes and develop networks with other agencies to ensure that issues impacting on Indigenous communities are addressed.”

CJGs were established in 1993 and currently there are 41 funded groups located throughout Queensland.

Training forums for CJGs in the Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa areas will be held in coming months.

16 April 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine’s office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au