Novenber report

The Statewide Indigenous Forum initiated by the Aboriginal Justice Forum, the peak coordinating body for overseeing the development, implementation and direction of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement. The AJA recognised that, for it to succeed, Koori communities needed to be involved in decision making and delivering culturally appropriate justice services.

2000-2004 The Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA) is part of a broad policy by the Victorian Government to work in partnership with the Koori community. Its purpose is to tackle disadvantage and inequity, reduce Koori contact with the criminal justice system, and improve the justice process for Indigenous Victorians.

The second phase of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 2 (AJA2) represents a recommitment by the signatories to the AJA to build on the work of the first phase (launched in 2006) The Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC) was established in each of seven regions to help improve justice outcomes. 2006-2010 RAJAC Chairs are members of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (VAJAC), which in turn is represented at the Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF), the peak body responsible for overseeing implementation of the AJA. After four years of operation, the AJA was reviewed and the Victorian Government and Koori signatories recommitted to a new phase, the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase
2 (AJA2).

2009 Wednesday 11 March "COMMUNIQUÉ" Presented by Victorian Aboriginal Community to the Victorian Government, There is some concern over the wording present by Victorian Aboriginal Community, It has been suggested the wording should read Presented by Victorian Incorporated Aboriginal Community. As the document has no signatories, although it does make mention for over 50 Aboriginal organisation that were invited to the Statewide Indigenous Forum.. (Whom attended is unknown to this writer, at this point in time )

Looking back to 1996, To when Aboriginal Embassy Victoria found urgent need to clarify, if The Victoria Government had the proper legislated power to makes Laws for peace order and good government for the Indigenous people of Victoria, and on the 26 August 1996 the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee E.O Helen M Mason, (in reply) wrote, "I am unaware of any Act which gives the Victorian Government the power to make Laws for peace order and good government for Indigenous people" Which clearly clarified the issue at hand.

The Department of Justice, tries to overcome the courts "No Jurisdiction" question, skillfully laid out the foundations for the "Koori Court project" Where the accused must acknowledge the court jurisdiction and plead guilty. in many case's acceptable. However when the offence has caused no harm., damage, loss of property, to any person or parties, "Victimless Crime" Aboriginal traditional religion, lore and must be considered and respected by the Court's.

Taken from Attorney-General, Rob Hulls (Foreword) "The Agreement would be nothing without the work people on the ground or without the work of those who have dedicated themselves to cementing the relationship that now exist between government and Koori communities, as. I look forward to discovering what more we can achieve when together, we engage work hard challenge each other and walk the path of genuine Reconciliation"

The above mention Treaty (Agreement) mainly relies on Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Communities (RAJAC.s) to hear the voice and concerns of the people residing with in their region, and in turn pass up to the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, (VAJAC) whom then places the issues before the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Advisory Forum, (VAJAF) if approved, hands up to the Attorney-General, and other concerned Minister including the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs for consideration and response.

It appears, one of the major challengers ahead for RAJAC's, is reducing the rate of Indigenous adult incarceration which still remains unacceptable, and to prevent the younger population for coming in contact with the criminal justice system of Victoria. It may help to address the situation, if our traditional lore was revisited, explained to the younger generation and to the wider community, as simplicity is the most convent way to the truth.

As to assure confidence in this plan, RAJAC's officials must, with out their own personal feelings, understanding, or religious beliefs, acknowledge and respond to all matters raised by members of their region, as being done in the best interest and future well-being of the Aboriginal communities of Victoria.. and

"2. Commit to working work all levels of government to never again allow the mistakes of past government administrations that excluded indigenous input into policies for which generations of our people paid the price for." (Ref COMMUNIQUÉ 16-17 OCTOBER 2008)

Accountability is now a must for all of us.

Yours faithfully
Les McDonald
Chief Lore Officer