Funding boost for SEQ Indigenous Community Justice Groups

Community Justice Groups (CJG) in south east Queensland will receive funds totalling $40,000 to improve justice services in the region, Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said today.

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

“Two Ipswich projects will each receive $10,000 grants. The first, the Back on Track Murri men’s program, will help provide art, cultural, sport and recreation activities for men’s group members.

“Funding for The Hub family support initiative will enable the CJG to lease office space to provide a one-stop shop for children, youth, adults and families to seek assistance and referral to other services.

“Grants of $10,000 will also go to each of the nominated Logan initiatives which include providing a 30-session youth engagement program incorporating traditional games, and assisting with the costs associated with employment of a program assistant.“

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