AN independent review will look into the ACT government’s progress in delivering recommendations aimed at addressing the over-representation of First Nations people in the justice system.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be over-represented in the ACT criminal justice system, with advocates from the communities calling for a review into the over-representation.

The ACT government have announced it will engage an independent consultant to review its progress in implementing recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Report 133, Pathways to Justice – Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The review is expected to make further recommendations on practical measures that reviewers consider will have an impact on over-representation and interactions with the ACT’s justice system.

The review will be led by a First Nations consultancy who will engage with First Nations communities, including those who have a lived experience with the ACT criminal justice system.

It is expected that an interim report will be delivered by March 2024, with a final report to be completed in late 2024.

This timeline enables the review to support ACT engagement in the Justice Policy Partnership under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The next stage of this work will be discussed at the Joint Council on Closing the Gap on June 7.