Funding boost for SW Qld Indigenous Community Justice Groups

Community Justice Groups (CJG) in south west Queensland will receive funds totalling almost $15,000 to improve justice services in the region, Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said today.

“CJGs in Cunnamulla and St George were among the successful applicants from throughout the state to have grants awarded for their nominated social justice initiatives,” he said.

“The Cunnamulla group will receive $7300 to establish and promote an education and awareness program focusing on the role of the CJG and the services they provide to Indigenous people in the community."

“The St George CJG has been awarded $7200 to extend its existing Murri Watch program which focuses on a reduction in the number of people who are charged with alcohol related street offences."

Mr Shine said the grants were awarded under the Community Justice Group Specific Project Grants Fund.

“In February this year, the government announced an additional $4 million over four years would be committed to CJGs,” he said.

“As part of this funding, an additional $185,000 was allocated for this financial year for social justice initiatives.

“The Department of Justice and Attorney-General received an overwhelming response following a call for applications in March this year.

“As a result, the department has agreed to fund initiatives for 25 projects in 22 communities at a total of $245,000 - $60,000 more than was originally committed.”

Mr Shine said CJGs played an important role in the implementation of a range of initiatives targeting the over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.

CJGs were established in 1993 in response to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. There are currently 40 statutory and non-statutory groups located throughout Queensland.

9 May 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au