Page 1338 - Week 04 - Thursday, 10 April 2008
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communities. The committee found that the collection of data across ACT schools was problematic due to the variety of ways that restorative practice is applied in various settings. This can be addressed, the committee believes, through ensuring that training in the practice, and therefore its application, is consistent and also by providing support to schools with their data collection.
In the area of administration of justice, the committee noted the pleasing results of a reduction in reoffending. The victims of crime also expressed satisfaction with the way restorative justice gave them a real voice. However, it was clear from our inquiry that not all young people respond to restorative practice, due to their emotional capacity at the time or other variables.
The committee recommends that the Restorative Justice Unit be further resourced to meet the demands for its services and to manage the introduction of the second phase relating to more serious offences; and, further, that the principle be applied in all aspects of the management of the Alexander Maconochie Centre.
The committee learned about the success of Ngambri circle sentencing for adult offenders and recommended that this facility be extended to include young Indigenous offenders, while noting that some Indigenous families were experiencing stress in supporting their young people involved in the criminal system. The committee recommended that legislation confirming the principles and objectives of Ngambri circle sentencing be enacted.
As I said, the committee was pleased to learn of the positive outcomes for victims through the application of restorative practice in criminal matters. The committee also noted that some incidents involving young people in the education system may not be suitable for initial management through restorative practice. This could be because of disadvantage, mental illness or behavioural problems. The committee noted the high level of support and interventions that those young people may need.
The committee also noted policies and practices introduced by the minister for education to ensure appropriate responses in the event of violence in schools or violent threats to school communities. The committee recommended that the school communities and the public be fully informed of all the various policies and practices that support safe school environments and that the ACT Safe Schools Taskforce consider the establishment of inter-agency protocols and professional development priorities for school staff and plan an effective communication strategy for school communities.
It is noted that, whilst restorative practice is no magic bullet and not always an appropriate response at a particular point of a conflict or crime, or after the offence of a crime, it may well be used at a later stage with positive results. It is no magic bullet, as I said, but it is by doing things with people rather than to people that we can grow our capacity as a community.
The committee travelled to South Australia and Queensland to see first hand restorative practice in a range of school settings in South Australia and to discuss policies and procedures implemented in Queensland. The committee noted the code of
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