The Western Australian Government has appointed the inaugural members of a committee of Aboriginal people to provide cultural advice and guidance on justice issues.
Nine men and women who reflect WA’s diverse Aboriginal community have been chosen from across the State to join the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (AJAC).
The Committee will help identify and suggest improvements to initiatives, policies and strategies to help the Department of Justice achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal people.
The AJAC will also support the Department through reciprocal expertise and knowledge sharing with Aboriginal people, communities and other government agencies.
The appointees are Merle Carter, Jacob Collard, Mitchell Drage, Joslyn Eades-Tass, Daniel English, George Hayden, Justin Kickett, Kylie Le Lievre and Ella Smith.
The panel members come from metropolitan, regional and remote areas, bringing knowledge and lived experience of Aboriginal culture in their communities and of justice matters.
The terms of appointment are effective until September 30, 2023.
Department of Justice Director General, Dr Adam Tomison, will chair the Committee and Gina Hill, Director of Aboriginal Justice Transformation, will provide secretariat support.
The McGowan Government is delivering the AJAC as set out in the Department’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2018-2021.
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
“I congratulate the Aboriginal leaders who have been appointed to the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee and look forward to their valuable contributions.
“This initiative will help the McGowan Government meet its commitment to address the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system.
“We cannot overestimate the importance of having an Aboriginal consultative body to support and guide strategic policy affecting some of our State’s most vulnerable people.”
As stated by Corrective Services Minister Bill Johnston:
“The people chosen for the Committee are each uniquely qualified and have considerable knowledge of the justice system.
“The Government needs the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee to keep connected, informed and responsive to the Aboriginal community on justice-related matters.
“The Committee will also greatly assist the Department of Justice in its role to achieve justice targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.”
Corrective Service’s Minister’s office – 6552 6700
