Hon Giz Watson raises concerns about the disproportionately high incarceration rate of Aboriginal people in WA and requests data and action from the Minister for Justice. The Minister acknowledges the issue and outlines existing programs.

AnsweredQoN 1062Legislative Council
Asked
27 April 2005
Portfolio
Justice

QuestionView source ↗

Given the continually disturbing high arrest and incarceration rate of Aboriginal offenders so disproportionate to their population, I ask -
(1) Is the Minister aware of the continuing monthly increases in the number of Aboriginal men and women held in custody?
(2) Will the Minister table the male and female adult imprisonment figures between November 2001 and March 2005?
(3) What action or actions will the Minister take to reduce the incarceration rates of Aboriginal people?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
21 June 2005
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Justice
Response time
55 days
(2) See tabled paper (3) The Department of Justice's Aboriginal Justice Program Steering Committee has been established to develop, coordinate and oversee outcomes that will improve the situation of Aboriginal people within the justice system. The Department of Justice is also implementing Aboriginal Justice Agreements throughout the State and undertaking an inquiry into Sentencing, Law Enforcement and Penalties in Remote and Regional Areas.
(3) The Department of Justice's Aboriginal Justice Program Steering Committee has been established to develop, coordinate and oversee outcomes that will improve the situation of Aboriginal people within the justice system. The Department of Justice is also implementing Aboriginal Justice Agreements throughout the State and undertaking an inquiry into Sentencing, Law Enforcement and Penalties in Remote and Regional Areas.

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