Aboriginals will soon have their own courts in Geelong to deliver “more culturally-appropriate” sentences, the Andrews State Government has announced.
The Government launched the Koori Court in Geelong today, saying it would “reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal Victorians in the criminal justice system”.
The adult’s and children’s courts would let offenders “discuss the underlying life issues that contribute to their behaviour”.
“They involve the Koori community, Aboriginal elders and respected persons in the court process, with an elder or respected person providing cultural advice to the magistrate and discussing the background of the offender,” the government said.
“The magistrate still sentences the offender in accordance with the same requirements that apply in mainstream courts.”
The court would begin hearing cases in June, the government said.
Defendants wanting to appear in Koori Court must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and plead guilty.
“The person must not be charged with a sexual offence or breach of an intervention order and must be willing to come to court and talk openly about their behaviour.”
Victoria already has other Koori courts outside Geelong, providing work for “80 elders and respected persons” and 16 other full or part-time staff.
“It’s fantastic to see the Koori Court model being rolled out in Geelong – it will be a huge benefit to Aboriginal Victorians in the Barwon South West region,” said Labor Geelong MP Christine Couzens.
“Koori courts are also a great source of employment for local Koories. I look forward to meeting with local Koori Court workers once the court begins sitting in June this year.”
