Australia: It’s time to fund justice that works
Petition to: Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians
All of the experts agree – kids don’t belong in prison. Prisons don’t address the causes of problematic behaviour, and they don’t reduce recidivism.
Instead, when a child comes into contact with the criminal justice system they enter a never-ending cycle of trauma, harm and violence. This shameful reality is even greater for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, who are 26 times more likely than their peers to be incarcerated. So what’s the alternative?
It’s called justice reinvestment.
Justice reinvestment is led by the community, for the community. Instead of failed punitive approaches, justice reinvestment is evidence-based. It embraces therapeutic and rehabilitative methods like diversion programs that address the underlying causes of problematic behaviour in children, in order to improve it – diverting them away from the criminal justice system.
Diversion programs and services like this already exist all over the country – and they’re incredibly successful. The Northern Territory government’s own research shows us that 76% of kids who complete diversion programs don’t reoffend within 12 months.
From Bourke in NSW, to Halls Creek in the Kimberley, to Mt Isa in North Queensland – these programs succeed because they are led by the communities who know what works best for them. Governments know this too. They just need to fund them properly.
The Albanese Government has budgeted $81.5 million to invest in Indigenous justice reinvestment to support 30 communities, in establishing initiatives that address the root causes of incarceration and Aboriginal deaths in custody. We must ensure that they honour this commitment.
Sign the petition calling on the government to stop playing politics with the lives of our children, and start investing in justice that works now.
Join us in making a difference.
This petition is brought to you by Politic in partnership with Amnesty International Australia.
Read the letter
Minister for Indigenous Australians
Hon Linda Burney MP
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra, ACT, 2600
Dear Minister Burney
We know you’re against the incarceration of children – you have told us 10 is too young.
That your government is taking national leadership in pursuing justice for children in contact with the criminal justice system is monumental. The Labor Party budgeted millions of dollars toward justice reinvestment, and I am adding my name to the list of advocates, activists and community members who want to see your government’s commitment come to fruition.
The evidence of experts concludes that violent actions or behaviour in young children are often directly linked to experiences of trauma, neglect, harm or unaddressed mental or physical health problems. A justice reinvestment approach enables these experts to identify and address the root causes of this behaviour, in order to improve it and divert children away from the criminal justice system.
Having $81.5 million invested into First Nations-led solutions will immeasurably benefit children, families, and communities. This money will have a huge impact in breaking the cycle of the over-representation of First Nations children in the criminal justice system. The Northern Territory government’s own research has already proved this to be true.
Please ensure that Labor holds true to their commitment toward justice reinvestment.
Yours sincerely,
Australia: It’s time to fund justice that works
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SUPPORTER VOICES - REASONS FOR SIGNING
The kids are desperate for love, discipline, purpose and consistency!
Kim
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Sick and tired of the crime rate.
Neil
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Incarceration is not the answer . The treatment of the core social issues must be the focus of any reform.
Bill Amanda
0000-00-00 00:00:00
The judicial system is broken and needs fixing
Ian
0000-00-00 00:00:00
There is a better way
Jon
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Once their youth is gone and NOT REPAIRED - it is GONE
Mary
0000-00-00 00:00:00
overhaul of the justice system to ensure our children are safe and taught right from wrong.
Pat
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Troubled children need rehabilitation and life-skills support. Most definitely NOT imprisonment, The governments should show some compassion and caring, not hate and indifference, because that is a cop-out.
Willemina
0000-00-00 00:00:00
imprisoning children has never worked. We need to address the problem at its root cause.
Rhonnie
0000-00-00 00:00:00
I would like to see a big change in how we treat children.
Sally
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Young people appear bereft of positive role models. Also, guidance and nurturing as to responsible behaviour.
Linda
0000-00-00 00:00:00
I believe we can do better than we are at present.
Rhys
0000-00-00 00:00:00
keeping crime under control is what leads to a better community
Keven
0000-00-00 00:00:00
I’m sick of the Lack of Integrity & justice within the process of the law from unethical actions of legal practitioners that imposes psychological torture & abuse on the innocent victims
Theo
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Kids don’t belong in prison
Tamara
0000-00-00 00:00:00
every kid was born innocent
Phoenix
0000-00-00 00:00:00
i believe that first time offenders should be put on 12 months probation to hopfully steer them in the right direction , 2nd time maybe we should give them a stint in the army as prison only puts them with criminals and they learn bad traits
Mark A
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Incarnations of our youth is. NOT the answer. They are our future & They look for encouragement, guidance. Not imprisonment!! Parents/. Government’s Must step up and meet the challenges that are real & president.
Gary William
0000-00-00 00:00:00
The present system is not working!
Len
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Youth only know what they have been taught, given the chance they will thrive with attention and care.
Jacqui
0000-00-00 00:00:00
kids do not belong in prison
Ruth
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Children should never be locked up, there has to be a better way of turning their lives around !
Christine
0000-00-00 00:00:00
i see first hand the kids who have been failed by Ndis..by governm3nt lack of therepies and help for kids with trauma and Spectrum disorders. parents goid parents screaming out for help for there kids to no avail.
Georgina
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Kids need help. not prison
Julie
0000-00-00 00:00:00
I belong ve all children have a right to support and help. Jailing children only leads to worse problems for them as adults. Positive solutions are needed.
Jeanette
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Our youth are the planets future
Patricia
0000-00-00 00:00:00
i believe in rehabilitation
Judi
0000-00-00 00:00:00
sending them to jail is obviously not working
Greg
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Youth detention doesn't reduce recidivism; in a lot of cases it guarantees it it
Ian
0000-00-00 00:00:00
I agree 100% with the above.
Diane
0000-00-00 00:00:00
Kids need support not imprisonment
misty
2024-11-12 09:48:23
I'm supporting because I believe there are better ways to stop children from becoming criminals.
Nola
2024-10-24 11:46:38