Aboriginal Support

The Former Director of Public Prosecutions, Rex Wild QC, with Aboriginal elders.

It is estimated that approximately 90% of criminal cases listed for hearing in the southern region and 70% in the northern region of the Northern Territory concern crimes committed by Aboriginal persons. Most of these crimes are committed against Aboriginal persons. This gives rise to a significant number of Aboriginal witnesses. A significant number of these speak an Aboriginal language other than English, are bound to some extent by customary law and reside in a remote community.

The need to create within the Office an awareness of the issues that affect Aboriginal and other witnesses was given recognition in 1996 by the creation of the Aboriginal Support Co-ordinator’s position.

This position is now occupied by Colleen Burns.

The Aboriginal Support Co-ordinator’s position is a part of the Witness Assistance Service and focuses on the provision of support for Aboriginal victims and other witnesses. This support includes practical assistance to victims and witnesses as well as provision of policy advice and development to the Office and other agencies.

The functions of the Aboriginal Support Co-ordinator include the following duties:

• providing policy advice to the Office and other government and non government agencies on issues affecting victims, including Aboriginal victims of crime
• formulating recommendations for the Office and government regarding amendments to legislation, government policy and practice as it particularly affects Aboriginal victims
• liaising with Aboriginal groups and organisations on issues relating to Aboriginal victims in the criminal justice system
• representing the Office on relevant committees in relations to Aboriginal victims, including facilitating networking with relevant agencies
• conducting education for the public and prosecutors regarding issues affecting Aboriginal victims
• liaising with other relevant community organisations in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy, Port Keats, Daly River, Alyangula, Oenpelli, Jabiru and Alice Springs
• providing victim and witness support to Aboriginal people.

Much progress has been made. Many issues have been identified and responded to and Aboriginal people now have better access to the criminal justice system.

Some of the significant initiatives that have emerged are:

Employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff within the Office

The current staff of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage numbers six. The employment of Aboriginal people has proved to be very positive as their input into the delivery of service is valuable. This initiative is within the spirit of the Northern Territory Public Service Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy.

The Office has now produced its own Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy booklet which outlines its commitment to the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island staff.

In 1999 the Office won the Aboriginal Careers Strategy Award for the most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Staff in an agency.

Cross Cultural Awareness

Staff of the Office have attended cross cultural awareness training courses for the last few years. A commitment has been made to continue this as an ongoing program. These courses give staff an opportunity to focus on cross cultural issues. The Director requires each member of staff, professional and administrative, to attend such courses.

Use of Aboriginal Interpreters

A large number of victims and witnesses require the assistance of interpreters and it is vital that they have access to an efficient interpreter service. The Aboriginal Interpreter Service which has been in operation since 10 March 2000 is under the umbrella of the Office of Aboriginal Development.

The Aboriginal Interpreter Service has two full time staff who arrange travel and accommodation for Interpreters who are requested for court, health or other areas that require interpreting or translating. It is good to see that the Office has made extensive use of this service.

Participation in other committees and meetings

The Aboriginal Support Co-ordinator has participated in various committees and meetings. This participation is beneficial to the Office as it is an effective networking tool where many useful contacts are made. Many sectors of the community are certainly more aware of services provided by this Office. It is also an avenue for sharing and receiving information about new resources in the community.

Policy formulation within the Office has always been complemented by participation in these forums.

Victim support — Aboriginal victims and witnesses

The provision of victim and witness support to Aboriginal people is a challenge. A pro-active policy for the delivery of victim and witness support continues to be adopted in acknowledgment of the specific difficulties experienced by these victims and witnesses.

Attempts are made to contact the clients as soon as possible so that an assessment can be made to identify language difficulties, cultural issues and any other matter that may be relevant and then to respond accordingly. The client is then appropriately prepared and supported throughout the court process.

Click [here] for a copy of the Bush Promotion Report.