A well functioning justice system is crucial to community wellbeing, and at the same time it is also fundamental for the efficient functioning of the economy.
There are structural challenges for our justice system. There is a heavy investment at the acute end of the system - police, courts, prisons - but less investment in prevention and early intervention. Public perceptions about public safety are driving decisions around some justice settings - visible policing, suspended sentences, parole, mandatory sentencing - that are driving up incarceration rates, which can often further damage already vulnerable people and actually erode community safety in the longer run.
The Youth Justice system is of particular concern, and Indigenous incarceration rates in particular are a national disgrace.This is exacerbated by the pressures from the growing population and economy.
Family violence is a major challenge. It can cause terrible physical and psychological harm, especially to women and children. It destroys families and undermines communities. Children who have been exposed to family violence can go on to become victims or perpetrators later in life, making the effect intergenerational. Family violence has been called ‘the most urgent law and order emergency occurring in our state and the most unspeakable crime unfolding across our nation’.
Public safety is not just about law and order. Emergency services are also important, especially in a world facing a more volatile climate. Simple measures like response times alone are not a good measure of the type of emergency response we need for the future - it need to be technology enabled and governed by good risk management, but also community connected and integrated to enable better prevention and recovery.
Team experience includes:
Unlock the facts - a collaborative thought leadership report which contributes new economic modelling to show that closing the gap in Indigenous incarceration would not only change lives but benefit the economy and the budget. However, it requires systemic change, smarter investment and Indigenous-led solutions
Commission for Children and Young People Victoria - evaluation of the Independent Visitor Program in youth justice centres, secure welfare services and Out of Home Care residential services