23 January 2025
Early intervention is one of the key strategies to addressing youth justice issues and preventing young people from incarceration. The Law Society is pleased to see that its 2025 State Election Campaign call for the funding of early intervention strategies has been answered by the Nationals’ commitment of $40 million to fund a new Youth Diversion Strategy and establish regional on-country diversion programs around the State. An additional $12 million commitment to community led youth engagement programs will contribute to young people in the regions having access to positive activities and experiences, keeping them out of trouble.
Western Australia has the highest rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in youth detention in the country. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children between the ages of 10 and 17 are over 27 times more likely to be incarcerated compared to other children in the same age group.
Law Society President Gary Mack said:
“We know from many years of research, inquiries, and reports from experts that the best way to address youth crime is to divert young people away as soon as they come into contact with the justice system, before they become entrenched, and provide them with the supports they need. Funding youth diversion programs keeps young people out of the criminal justice system. These young people often become involved in crime because their own lives are impoverished, disadvantaged and unsafe. Programs that link at risk young people up with support services and role models are to be welcomed, and this can be especially effective for young Aboriginal people if they are able to engage in programs that keep them close to their country, homes and families.
As National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds says in her December 2024 report ‘Help Way Earlier! How Australia can transform child justice to improve safety and wellbeing’ young children are being criminalised when they are punished for their offending, when instead we need to put children’s wellbeing first. The Commissioner recommended that, among other things, governments resource and expand the availability of evidence-based diversionary programs for children.
An essential part of the Strategy will be consultation and engagement with Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, to ensure that the programs developed are fit for purpose, culturally safe and trauma informed.”
Media contact: cchaffey@lawsocietywa.asn.au