A multi-million dollar investment in justice programs will help to enhance and empower community in alternative measures through the Youth Koori Court in Dubbo.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the expansion of the Youth Koori Court to the Children’s Court at Dubbo will provide support for up to an additional 160 young Aboriginal people.
“The Youth Koori Court will work with Elders and other respected community members in Dubbo to help young Aboriginal people to make positive changes,” Mr Saunders said.
“I welcome this initiative, following the successful examples set by Youth Koori Courts in Surry Hills and Parramatta.”
The NSW Government is investing $5.8 million over four years to expand the Youth Koori Court to Dubbo and to provide more funding for Aboriginal Legal Services, Legal Aid NSW and a specialist Children’s Magistrate to oversee the Youth Koori Courts including at Surry Hills and Parramatta.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the funding is part of a $20 million investment over four years in justice initiatives to help reduce disproportionate rates of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system, including significant expansions of Circle Sentencing in the Local Court, and the Justice Reinvestment Program.
“In addition, a $27.9 million investment over four years is supporting the establishment of a Drug Court in Dubbo,” Mr Speakman said.
The Youth Koori Court has the same powers as the Children’s Court but provides a culturally appropriate sentencing path and support for young people across the state.