at court
that Koori incarceration rates could be reduced
through the increased use of diversion.
potential.
schemes available in Victoria, including:
being referred by a Magistrate, police officer,
legal representative, court nominee, family or
the client themselves, clients are required to
commit to treatment and attend regular support
meetings with their case manager
direct contacts that come before the courts
by assisting them with advice and access to
culturally appropriate and sensitive services.
The KCEO liaises with members of the local
Koori communities to inform them of the court
process whilst also raising regional awareness
of Indigenous and cross-cultural issues."
See, Troy Allard et al, `Diversion of Young Offenders',
above n 194, 1; Chris Cunneen, Neva Collings, and
Nina Ralph, Evaluation of the Queensland Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander justice agreement (University
of Sydney, 2005); Garth Luke and Chris Cunneen,
Aboriginal over-representation and discretionary
decisions in the NSW juvenile justice system (Juvenile
Justice Advisory Council of New South Wales, 1995).
Troy Allard et al, `Diversion of Young Offenders', above
n 194, 2.
See Magistrates' Court of Victoria, CREDIT Bail Support
Program. <http://www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au/
jurisdictions/specialist-jurisdictions/court-support-
services/credit-bail-support-program> at 20 June 2013.
See, Magistrates' Court of Victoria, Koori Community
Engagement Officer (KCEO). <http://www.
magistratescourt.vic.gov.au/jurisdictions/specialist-
jurisdictions/court-support-services/koori-community-
engagement-officer-kceo> at 20 June 2013.
Diversion Program
(CJDP)
Court of Victoria, in co-
operation with Victoria Police,
piloted a diversionary scheme at
Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court. It is now
available to all Magistrates' Courts throughout
Victoria. The Program provides mainly first-
time offenders with the opportunity to avoid a
criminal record by undertaking conditions that
benefit the offender, victim and the community
as a whole.
at any time before taking a plea from an accused
for a summary offence, or an indictable offence
that may be heard and determined summarily, the
Magistrates' Court may adjourn the proceeding for
12 months to enable the accused to participate in
and complete a diversion program.
diversion program; and
this purpose.
counselling or treatment, performing community
work, abiding by a curfew, not associating with
certain persons, or apologising or compensating
the victim.
Magistrates' Court of Victoria, Criminal Justice
Diversion Program. <http://www.magistratescourt.vic.
gov.au/jurisdictions/criminal-and-traffic/criminal-justice-
diversion-program> at 5 June 2013.
This is not available for offences punishable by a
minimum or fixed sentence, including cancellation or
suspension of a driving licence. Criminal Procedure Act
2009 (Vic) s 59(1).
This acknowledgement is inadmissible as evidence in
a proceeding for that offence and does not constitute a
plea. Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic) s 59(3).