Recommendation 173

Reform the juvenile justice system in conformity with the international standards and increase the protection of children involved in penal proceedings

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State
Poland
Issue
Conditions in detention
Criminal justice
Population group
Children
Australian Government Agency and/or Jurisdiction
• States and territories
Australia's Response
Accepts
Australia's Position

On 28 July 2016, the Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government announced a Royal Commission and Board of Inquiry into the youth detention and child protection systems in the Northern Territory. On 17 November 2017, the Royal Commission's final report was publicly released. The Report contains 147 findings and makes 226 recommendations, outlining a long-term reform agenda for the Northern Territory's child protection and youth justice systems. The Australian Government has sole or joint responsibility for 28 of the Commission's 226 recommendations and the Hon. Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Social Services will lead the Government's response. On 8 February 2018, the Australian Government released its response to the report and has been working closely with the Northern Territory Government to progress shared recommendations, including:

  • establishing a joint Commonwealth/Territory Coordinated Funding Framework;
  • undertaking a joint study of children and families funding and services in the Northern Territory;
  • establishing a Tripartite Forum with representatives from the Northern Territory Government, Commonwealth Government and community sector; and
  • overseeing the development of a 10-year Generational Strategy.

 
The Australian Government's response can be found on the Department of Social Services website.

On 20 April 2018, the Northern Territory Government released a comprehensive Plan - Safe, Thriving and Connected: Generational Change for Children and Families which outlines how whole-of-government action in collaboration with the community sector will deliver historic reforms in the Territory.

The Northern Territory Government is investing more than $229.6 million over the next five years to introduce reforms to keep children and the community safe.

On 15 December 2017, the Australian Government ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). This will be an important step in improving the oversight and conditions of places of detention in Australia, and it reflects the Australian Government's commitment to preventing torture and mistreatment.

States and territories have primary responsibility for criminal justice, including adult and juvenile corrections.

For information about state and territory policies and programmes related to juvenile justice, visit: