Page 2289 - Week 07 - Thursday, 16 June 1994

The AFP is currently working in cooperation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

communities, through the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council, to

review and restructure the Aboriginal/Police Liaison Committee. This Committee provides

a channel of communication between the police and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander communities and a call out service whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

members of the committee provide support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

community members in custody.

I am pleased to note that the AFP (ACT Region) has brought almost all its instructions

and procedures into line with the Royal Commission's recommendations. Work has also

commenced and is continuing on upgrading police cells to the standards outlined by the

Commission.

ACT Corrective Services and Juvenile Justice have amended and introduced

procedures and commenced upgrading their facilities in response to the Royal

Commission.

ACT Corrective Services have employed a consultant to develop Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander employment strategies and non-custodial sentencing options. The

consultant's draft report is under consideration. Legislation is being prepared to

provide for a wide range of non-custodial sentencing options.

I am pleased to be able to say that the ACT is the only jurisdiction in Australia which

provides a bail supervision service for young -offenders.

2289