During the 2022 State Election, the Government committed to establish an advisory commission to develop options to reduce the rate of Aboriginal people in custody.

In September 2022, the Attorney-General appointed 8 members to the Advisory Commission into the Incarceration Rates of Aboriginal Peoples in South Australia.

Membership

The Advisory Commission membership included South Australian Aboriginal leaders with expertise and knowledge in the criminal justice system, as well as members from Canada and New Zealand, who shared insights on effective solutions that have been implemented overseas.

The Advisory Commission was made up of:

  • Heather Agius
  • Major Sumner AM
  • Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO
  • Adjunct Associate Professor Scott Wilson
  • Leanne Liddle
  • Chris Larkin
  • Professor Tracey McIntosh MNZM
  • Jonathan Rudin.

Methodology

The role of the Advisory Commission was to complement the findings of previous national and interstate inquiries and reports, by bringing a uniquely South Australian perspective to the drivers of incarceration.

The Advisory Commission focused on the justice system-related contributors to the disproportionate imprisonment rates of Aboriginal people at key junctures of a person’s journey through the justice system, including:

  • contact with police and courts
  • bail and remand
  • custody, as well as conditional release from custody (such as parole).

Report of the Advisory Commission (PDF, 600.4 KB)

Actions being taken by Government

The State Government is investing in the development of South Australia’s first Aboriginal Justice Agreement, in partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations. This was a key recommendation of the Advisory Commission.

More details about how to participate in the development of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement will be made available soon.

The Government of South Australia has also committed funding to respond immediately to other key themes and recommendations made by the Advisory Commission, including to:

  • establish a Community Support Program to provide cultural reintegration, tenancy and rehabilitation supports to assist incarcerated Aboriginal South Australians apply for and remain on bail
  • establish a Healing Wodli that provides short-term accommodation and rehabilitation programs to Aboriginal people who do not have access to culturally safe accommodation
  • establish a Cultural Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility
  • secure and fit-out a new Port Augusta Community Corrections Centre
  • expand the Work Ready Release Ready program at many of South Australia’s correctional facilities
  • continue the Child Diversion Program, which prevents Aboriginal children from entering custodial environments with appropriate supports
  • establish a two-year pilot of the Youth Aboriginal Community Court – Adelaide
  • co-design a new support service for female Aboriginal victims of crime with the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON)
  • design, develop and deliver cultural programs for Aboriginal people in prison and under community supervision to support rehabilitation.

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