Overview
The Community Justice Forum was held in Frankston (Southern Metro Region) on Thursday 4 May 2023. This Forum was originally scheduled to take place in 2020, however it was delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Aunty Marion Hansen, a Kamilaroi Elder and Chair of the South Metro Region RAJAC welcomed community members and guests, acknowledged Country and Elders in attendance.
The Aboriginal Community Forum was held at the Frankston Arts Centre, facilitated by Ms Joy Savage, Acting Associate Deputy Secretary, Aboriginal Justice.
Members of the Aboriginal Justice Forum consisting of Aboriginal Justice Caucus representatives, and Senior Government members including Kate Houghton, Secretary, Department of Justice and Community Safety, along with Aboriginal community in the Southern Metro area attended the forum to discuss a range of issues.
Summary of Actions Arising
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Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to discuss data collection on public housing users to Aboriginal Justice Caucus, at the next Caucus meeting which will take place three weeks from this Forum
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Department of Health to provide Aboriginal Justice Caucus with data on the Aboriginal users of the Shepparton sobering-up centre
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Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to provide historical information about 2005 developments to Section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act to the Aboriginal Justice Caucus
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The AJF Secretariat disseminate details of Community Forum on 12 May 2023
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Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to consider holding a specific Child Protection community forum
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Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to review whether Child Protection should have a physical presence at Orange Door
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Koori Justice Unit to liaise with relevant stakeholders with outstanding actions from AJF 64, to ensure all can provide progress updates at AJF 65
What the Aboriginal Community Forum Heard
Lack of Available Data on Public Housing Users
Community raised the lack of data available in relation to Aboriginal people who are either awaiting or currently utilising public housing, particularly in regions where the supply and suitability of housing including those affected by fire, floods and the pandemic. Having access to this data will help to advocate for more resources to meet demand. There was also a call for better community education for accessing public housing waitlists. Aboriginal Housing Victoria is seeking permission to share their data with the community and agreed this is important to uphold self-determination.
Upcoming Changes to Public Intoxication Laws
An update was sought regarding sites being trialled for upcoming public intoxication reform. Departmental representatives confirmed that the Dandenong trial site is currently operational from Monday to Friday, including a ‘place of safety’ area, available on-demand. The state-wide model (including 24/7 sobering centres) is on track to be launched in November 2023. The new model of care was explained, noting that outreach services will be able to transport intoxicated individuals instead of ambulances. The community called for further public communications about forthcoming changes, to ensure people know about these services. Community also encouraged the sharing of data with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus, to enable monitoring of the uptake of sobering up centres.
Use of Cultural Support Plans in Child Protection
Community highlighted the issue of the administration of Cultural Support Plans (CSPs) for Aboriginal children in Child Protection. Of particular concern were the quality of CSPs, quality assurance or oversight; serious delayed provision of CSPs (one example from community involved a delay of 2 years); and current data indicating that 66% of children in Child Protection have a completed CSP in place.
An agency representative explained that, despite the work of their dedicated team of Aboriginal staff working in this area, they often experience difficulties when researching CSPs and encounter delays during the endorsement process. Departmental representatives noted the Government are currently providing additional staffing and funding resources across the state to improve this service. The community called for a dedicated community forum on Aboriginal children in Child Protection; and referred to an upcoming community meeting taking place on 12 May 2023.
Confirmation of Aboriginality
It was observed that the issue of Cultural Support Plans bears some similarity to issues the community has been experiencing in relation to Confirmation of Aboriginality. The issue has arisen where children in Child Protection who do not meet requirements for an official Confirmation of Aboriginality are being “de-identified” (that is, governmental records are changed to reflect that they are not of Aboriginal identity). This is known to have a traumatic impact on young people who may have reasonable grounds to identify themselves as Aboriginal. Community noted the need for a consistent approach to be taken.
Co-location of Child Protection with Orange Door
Community raised concerns with the physical presence of a Child Protection office at Orange Door’s family violence services. There have been reports that co-location of these services is causing women to avoid using Orange Door, for fear that disclosure of family violence could activate Child Protection’s reporting obligations and result in removal of children from their care. Government representatives explained that this arrangement was originally implemented with a view to providing a holistic support structure for women experiencing family violence, who may also need assistance from Child Protection Workers. Government representatives agreed to conduct a review of this.
Early Diversion Program – Restorative Justice
One of the regions has been trialling a program to create awareness about diversion of Aboriginal young people from the criminal justice system. Facilitators will be able to undertake an accredited training program associated with the program. The program brings together the science of restorative justice, embedded with Aboriginal ways of Knowing, Doing and Being. There has been a strong positive response to this program.
Closing Actions from previous Community Forums
Community called for a review of Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF) 64 actions at the upcoming AJF 65 in Shepparton in July. In particular, the community wants information about progress made on matters raised at the Bendigo Community Justice Forum.
Who to contact for more information
Aimee Jones
Southern Metropolitan (RAJAC) Executive Officer
Phone: 0437 101 242
Email: Aimee.Jones@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)