ACT Justice Challenges
- Overview
- Over-Incarceration
- Recidivism-Reintegration Barriers
- Cultural-Social Disconnection
- Intergenerational Trauma
- Specific Vulnerabilities
Overview
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), despite being ~2% of the population, face significant over-representation in the criminal justice system, particularly at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC). Systemic biases, socio-economic disadvantages, and historical traumas contribute to high incarceration rates, recidivism, and reintegration barriers for Aboriginal Canberrans.
Over-Incarceration
Aboriginal people in the ACT are incarcerated at a rate of 1,978.9 per 100,000 (December 2024), compared to ~163 per 100,000 for non-Indigenous Australians (2016). They are 21 times more likely to be imprisoned, driven by over-policing, racial bias, and arrests for low-level offences like assaults or breaches of justice orders, often tied to socio-economic stress and intergenerational trauma.
Recidivism and Reintegration Barriers
Nearly 100 adults are released from ACT prisons each year. Unless something changes, more than half will not be successful in re-entering their communities and will return to prison. The Australian Institute of Criminology report Reintegration of Indigenous Prisoners identifies that successful reintegration of ex-offenders in the community is required to reduce criminal offending and the return of prisoners to jail. The report also cites research indicating the risk of reoffending is reduced when offenders actively participate in the process of community return, rather than passively receiving services. Where a prisoner is without strong connections, they are prone to stress and reinforcing feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
Yeddung Mura’s Efforts: Yeddung Mura’s “Your Journey, Our Effort” program targets these challenges through their Court Support, Prison Support, and Community Support initiatives, offering individualised, trauma-informed case management to secure essentials like accommodation and identification documents for Aboriginal detainees. Empowerment Yarning Circles provide emotional support, community reconnection, and tools for change, reducing recidivism by fostering active participation. The community centre in Fadden further supports a positive change and successful reintegration for individuals and their families.
Cultural and Social Disconnection
Aboriginal prisoners at the AMC face cultural alienation due to limited access to Indigenous elders or culturally appropriate programs. Post-release, the lack of community ties exacerbates feelings of hopelessness. Practical barriers, including housing instability, unemployment, and discrimination in the rental market, further hinder reintegration, perpetuating cycles of offending.
Yeddung Mura’s Efforts: Yeddung Mura’s housing program provides supported accommodation, creating a homelike environment to rebuild community ties. Programs based on the Rat Park Theory promote positive social connections through activities like sports, music, and art. Empowerment Yarning Circles, part of the “Your Journey, Our Effort” program, provide culturally safe spaces for emotional and cultural reconnection.
Intergenerational Trauma
Historical trauma from colonisation and policies like the Stolen Generations drives high rates of substance abuse, family violence, and mental health issues, increasing justice system contact. Socio-economic challenges, such as unemployment, low education, and overcrowded housing, heighten risks, particularly for youth and women.
Yeddung Mura’s Efforts: The “Your Journey, Our Effort” program includes Empowerment Yarning Circles and mental health initiatives to address trauma and support emotional wellbeing. Family-focused programs, such as domestic violence prevention, aim to break cycles of disadvantage, particularly for families and youth.
Women and Youth
Aboriginal women, often mothers, face high incarceration rates for low-level offences linked to family violence and housing insecurity. Aboriginal youth are overrepresented in youth justice, with early system contact normalising offending. Both groups face systemic bias, such as harsh bail conditions and over-policing.
Yeddung Mura’s Efforts: The “Your Journey, Our Effort” program supports Aboriginal women and youth through tailored case management via their services and culturally safe spaces like the Fadden community centre, which supports a positive change and successful reintegration for individuals and their families. Domestic violence prevention and the family support services address vulnerabilities, promoting family reconciliation, stability and reducing justice system contact.