Goal 3.2: A strong and effective Aboriginal community controlled justice sector

Aboriginal community organisations are crucial to the delivery of Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja not only because they deliver essential services to the community but because they represent the community voice to the partnership. Increasing Aboriginal community control of justice services will ensure that services are tailored to each community’s particular priorities and goals, and deliver culturally appropriate solutions driven by the local community. Increasing Aboriginal community control is not just about increasing the capacity of the Aboriginal sector, but is also about enabling the government sector to relinquish control and work with community agencies in new and innovative ways. 

The Aboriginal justice workforce is skilled and resilient. Aboriginal staff working in justice services understand the needs of their communities, and are able to impart their knowledge when caring for and supporting Aboriginal people. Their presence offers confidence and trust to Aboriginal service users. An increased Aboriginal workforce with the leadership skills necessary to participate in genuine decision-making that affects them is required. Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal staff in both government and community sectors needs to be prioritised.

	Develop clear career pathways within and between ACCO and government justice worker roles so that there are Aboriginal people working at all levels of all sectors (government, community, not-for-profit).
	Provide ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal staff in both government and community sectors.
	Build capacity of justice agencies to understand and implement plans for greater Aboriginal community self-determination in their services.
	Build capacity of ACCOs to deliver justice programs and services for the Aboriginal community.