Noting the positive benefits of the Local
Justice Worker Program and the Koori
Offender Support and Mentoring Program in
assisting Koories to address fines payments,
that these programs be enhanced with a
specific focus on Koori women with multiple
fines and at risk of imprisonment.
Noting the importance of section 3A of the
Bail Act 1977 in realising the right to equality
and cultural rights, that:
registrars, Magistrates and bail justices
on the implementation of this section
Equal Opportunity and Human Rights
Commission and specifically address
the intersection of the Bail Act and
the Charter of Human Rights and
Responsibilities Act 2006.
Noting the low referral rates of Koori
offenders to the Criminal Justice Diversion
Program, that Victoria Police review its
approach to consenting to an offender
entering the program and provide further
information and training to its prosecutors
if required.
That a community based, culturally
appropriate residential program for Koori
women on bail, Community Corrections
Orders and post release be established.
This Women's Place (the hub) should:
providing reconnection to culture
service providers
structure, whatever that may be and
however large that may be
circumstances
services to deal with these
women prior to, and after their time at the
Women's Place
delivery to Koori women in contact with
the criminal justice system.
Mentoring Program (recommendations
6,11)
(recommendations 16-17)
prison, including the Transition Assistance
Program, Konnect, mentoring programs
and the Women's Integrated Support
Program (recommendation 19)
order to support greater compliance with
parole conditions.