18 March 2024
We the undersigned are legal practitioners, community workers and academics working across the fields of law, criminology, social sciences and Indigenous studies, who hold grave concerns about the proposed laws that will make it harder for young people aged 14-17 to be released on bail for certain offences.
We support the Premier’s goal to improve community safety and wellbeing and strengthen early intervention initiatives. The proposed laws however will have the opposite effect.
The evidence tells us that such laws do not make communities safer and in fact exacerbate the social drivers of young people’s contact with the justice system.
The proposed laws will undermine the NSW Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap targets and increase the long-term social and economic costs of incarceration of children and young people. In NSW the average cost per young person in detention was $2759.13 per day in 2022-23.[1]
We urgently call for you not to progress these laws that will make it harder for children between the ages of 14-17 to be released on bail for certain break and enter and car theft offences.
The Government acknowledges the result will be that more children are imprisoned on remand. More punitive bail laws and new offences will not achieve our common goal: safer communities.
We know from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data that the majority of young people in custody in NSW are already there on remand, which means they were detained after bail was refused by either police or the courts.[2] That a high proportion of those are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people is a massive indictment on the system as it is currently operating, with those statistics set to worsen with the proposed bail changes.
- At the end of December 2023, there were 174 young people incarcerated in NSW. 74.1% of those young people were on remand. Of the total youth custody population, 61.5% were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people.
- The average age of young people on remand after bail was refused by police was 14 years old, and 100% of those were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people.[3] The average age of remanded young people refused bail by the courts was 16.2 years of age.
- And 65.1% of the 129 young people on remand in custody in NSW were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Here are the facts, Premier:
1. The evidence is clear - once bail is denied, children are more likely to be enmeshed in the criminal justice system.
Overwhelming evidence by youth detention management, children’s commissioners, outside experts and young people pointed to the fact that youth detention does not work, and in fact aggravates the traumas and behavioural issues that young people experience. The Royal Commission into Youth Detention and Child Protection in the Northern Territory (2017) identified the adverse impact of detention on young people, including cognitive and behavioural development.
2. The proposed bail changes and new offences will be disastrous for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in NSW, including the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT and Deadly Connections Community Justice Services and others, have expressed grave concerns about the adverse impact the proposed bail reforms will have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers. It will exacerbate pathways to adult imprisonment, given the high rates of recidivism that correlates with youth detention. The Government must act to fully support the ACCO-led implementation of diversion models and accommodation options, which keep young people engaged in community life and create belonging.
3. The proposed bail changes and new offences do not address concerns for improved community safety. They undermine the investment made by the Government to resource the real solutions that will work.
We welcome proposals by the government to increase funding for community services to regional NSW. But these services will be undermined by the bail and new offence provisions which aim to lock more children up.
4. Evidence-based solutions which are therapeutic and non-punitive must be the priority.
Young people require a supportive environment in which they are engaged in therapeutic responses that address the underlying causes of offending. There is no role for punitive reforms in solutions that can work. Many children in youth detention have disabilities with high and complex needs that can only be addressed in the community. This includes individualised and wrap-around services and responses that involve family, school, community, cultural and my therapeutic supports. These must be supported and led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
The community-led solutions are ready to be actioned, Premier.
We urge the Premier to adopt the three point youth crime prevention plan put forward by a coalition of Aboriginal and legal organisations including the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT):
- Resources allocated for local communities to support after-school, evening and weekend activities that engage at-risk young people.
- Intensive and targeted programs and responses for at-risk children with appropriate referral services.
- Formal community partnerships between police and Aboriginal controlled services.
These measures can work quickly, without incarcerating young people. Government must listen to and work closely with Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations to meet our shared goal for safer communities and thriving children and young people in them.
SIGNATORIES
- Peta Ivy MacGillivray, Senior Research Fellow, Yuwaya Ngarra-li Partnership, UNSW.
- Carly Stanley, CEO & Co-Founder - Deadly Connections Community & Justice Services Limited
- Keenan Mundine, Consultant - Deadly Connections Community & Justice Services Limited
- Elizabeth Evatt AC, former member UN Human Rights Committee
- Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney; Advisory Board Member Deadly Connections
- Vicki Sentas, Associate Professor, Centre for Criminology, Law and Justice, Faculty of Law and Justice, UNSW.
- Dr Ruth McCausland, Associate Professor, Yuwaya Ngarra-li Partnership, UNSW.
- Emma Buxton-Namisnyk, Lecturer, School of Law, Society and Criminology, UNSW.
- Camilla Pandolfini, CEO, Redfern Legal Centre.
- Lisa Ewenson, Research Associate, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, UNSW.
- Andy Kaladelfos, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, Society and Criminology, UNSW.
- Mehera San Roque, Associate Professor, Centre for Criminology, Law and Justice, Faculty of Law and Justice, UNSW
- Dr Mindy Sotiri, Executive Director, Justice Reform Initiative
- Ingrid Matthews, Lecturer, UNSW School of Law, Society and Criminology.
- Ross Homel, AO, Emeritus Professor, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Griffith University
- Francis Markham, Fellow, Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, Australian National University.
- Natalia Hanley, Associate Professor, Criminology, Justice & Social Policy, University of Wollongong
- Eddie Cubillo, Larrakia, Wadjigan, Central Arrernte man
- Rachel Loney-Howes, Senior Lecturer, Criminology, Justice and Social Policy. University of Wollongong.
- Sarah Woodland, Senior Lecturer, Fine Arts and Music, University of Melbourne.
- Peta Malins, Senior Lecturer, Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT University
- Nicole Mekler, Head of Youth Engagement, Accountable Futures Collective
- Cameron Langfield, Associate Lecturer, Criminology, Justice and Social Policy, University of Wollongong
- Fiona Haines, Professorial Fellow,, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
- Lisanne Adam, Lecturer in Law, Graduate School of Business and Law, RMIT University
- Sarouche Razi, Course Convener, Australian National University College of Law
- Alasdair Henry, Associate Lecturer, Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT University.
- Julie Kimber, Senior Lecturer, Swinburne University of Technology.
- Amanda Porter, Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Law, University of Melbourne
- Karen Daniels UNSW PhD Candidate
- Tanja Dreher, Associate Professor, UNSW
- Maria Giannacopoulos Director Centre for Criminology Law and Justice Faculty of Law and Justice UNSW
- Alexandra Palk, Supervising Solicitor, Dhurrawang Aboriginal Human Rights Program and Litigation, Canberra Community Law
- Russell Solomon, Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT University
- Emma Russell, Senior Research Fellow, Crime, Justice & Legal Studies, La Trobe University
- Helen Gibbon, Associate Professor, UNSW Law & Justice
- Katie Green, Managing Principal Solicitor, Inner City Legal Centre
- Julian Trollor, Professor and NHMRC Leadership Fellow, Acting Director, Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, UNSW Medicine & Health
- Loene Howes, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Tasmania
- Simone Rowe, Research Associate & Teaching Fellow, Centre for Criminology, Law and Justice, Faculty of Law and Justice, UNSW.
- Chris Martin, Senior Research Fellow, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW
- Robin Cameron, Senior Lecturer, Criminology & Justice Studies, RMIT University
- Samantha Lee, Senior Solicitor, Redfern Legal Centre
- Professor Jill Hunter, Faculty Of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Jasmine Opdam, Team Leader & Solicitor, Redfern Legal Centre
- Associate Professor David J. Carter, School of Law, Society and Criminology, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW.
- Dr Alana Piper, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UTS.
- Dr Kristopher Wilson, Director of Indigenous Leadership and Engagement, Faculty of Engineering and IT and Faculty of Law, UTS.
- Dr Justin Ellis, Newcastle School of Law and Justice.
- Greg Barns SC National Criminal Justice Spokesman Australian Lawyers Alliance
- John Braithwaite, Emeritus Professor, ANU
- Associate Professor Zora Simic, UNSW
- Justine Nolan, Director Australian
- Jordan Daly, Senior Lawyer, knowmore
- Mohra Fazel, Lawyer, knowmore
- Elena Campbell, Associate Director, Centre for Innovative Justice, RMIT
- Malin Ekberg, Lawyer, knowmore
- Emily Carruthers, Lawyer, knowmore
- Stephanie Panovski, Lawyer, knowmore Legal Service
- Amy Barrett, Managing Lawyer, knowmore Legal Service
- Claudia Stahl, Paralegal, knowmore Legal Service
- Lachlan Haar, Solicitor, Wilding & Co Lawyers
- Aidan Brown, Lawyer, knowmore Legal Service
- Shaun Tamplin, ICT Manager, knowmore
- Cailaen Coe, Paralegal, knowmore Legal Service
- Brook Armstrong, PhD Candidate, Macquarie University
- Professor Gabrielle Drake, Professor of Social Work and Associate Dean, Western Sydney University
- Mary Ellen Harrod, CEO, NSW Users and AIDS Association
- Michelle Toy, Advocacy and Policy Lead, NSW Users and AIDS Association
- Dr Dylan Lino, University of Queensland Law School
- Katie Wrigley, Acting Principal Solicitor, Refugee Advice & Casework Service
- Gretel Emerson, Solicitor, Refugee Advice & Casework Service
- Allan McCay, Academic Fellow, Sydney Law School
- Sharlenee Peacock, Law Graduate with WSU and Consultant at KPMG.
- Eloise Schnierer, Lawyer and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Gilbert + Tobin.
- Mursal Rahimi, Policy & Casework Solicitor, Refugee Advice & Casework Service
- Professor John Anderson, School of Law & Justice, University of Newcastle.
- Alice Schulz, Senior Intake Officer, knowmore Legal Service
- Daniel Daylight, Manager - Just Reinvest Mt Druitt
- Emily Hirst-Johnson, lawyer, knowmore Legal Service
- Associate Professor Faith Gordon, Deputy Associate Dean of Research, Australian National University and International Youth Justice Network
- Leanne Sanders, CEO of Visual Dreaming
- Savannah Michie, Paralegal, knowmore Legal Service
- Dr Alysoun Boyle, Chair, National Mediation Conferences Ltd, Australian Dispute Resolution Advisory Council
- Dr Anne Noonan Psychiatrist IAP, SONT
- Michelle FalsteinHuman Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney
- Lauren Parnaby, Lawyer, Clayton Utz
- Dr Rebecca Reeve, Senior Research Fellow, Yuwaya Ngarra-li Partnership, UNSW.
- Dr Karen Gelb, Director, Karen Gelb Consulting
- Eva Lloyd, Senior Lecturer, School of Built Environment, UNSW
- Lydia Shelly, President, NSW Council for Civil Liberties
- Nareen Young, Associate Dean Indigenous Leadership and Engagement, UTS Business School
- Jarryd Bartle, Associate Lecturer, Criminology & Justice Studies, RMIT University
- Susanne Karstedt, Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University
- Larissa Behrendt, Distinguished Professor, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney
- Eileen Baldry AO, Professor Emerita Criminology, UNSW
- Sally Andersen, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Monash University
- KWOOP (Keeping Women Out Of Prison)
- Daryle Rigney, Professor, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney
- Hayley Passmore, Lecturer in Criminology, University of Western Australia Law School
- Wayne Sanderson, Uniting Church minister and Clinical Psychologist
- Elyse Methven, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney
- Jane Sanders AM, Principal Solicitor, The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre
- Diane Elston, Solicitor and Teaching Fellow, UNSW.
- Tom Kelly, former NSW Public Solicitor
- Astrid Lorange, Senior Lecturer, School of Art and Design, UNSW
- Andrew Brooks, Lecturer, School of Arts and Media, UNSW
- Rob White, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Criminology, University of Tasmania
- Louise Boon-Kuo, Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney Law School
- Chris Cunneen, Professor of Criminology, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney
- Prue Vines, Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Tasha Ritchie, CEO, Accountable Futures Collective
- Kate Thomas, Doctoral Researcher, University of Technology Sydney
- April Klineberg, Casual Academic, University of Sydney Law School
- Joseph Pugliese, Professor, Macquarie University
- Dr Janet Hunt, Honorary Associate Professor, Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, ANU
- Claire Parfitt, Lecturer, Political Economy, The University of Sydney
- Tamara Walsh, Professor of Law and Director of the UQ Pro Bono Centre, The University of Queensland
- Sophie Russell, Senior Research Officer, Community Restorative Centre NSW
- Dev Bhutani, Barrister, Maurice Byers Chambers.
- Isha Caulfield, Principal Solicitor, Caulfield Solicitors
- Dr Louis Schetzer, National Research and Policy Coordinator, Justice Reform Initiative, Teaching Fellow, UNSW Law
- Marie Segrave, Professor and ARC Future Fellow, University of Melbourne.
- Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia
- Samara Hand, PhD Candidate, UNSW Law & Justice
- Dr Lucas Lixinski, Professor of Law, UNSW Law & Justice
- Fran Gale, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University.
- George Dertadian, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Criminology, Law and Justice, UNSW
- Garner Clancey, Associate Professor Criminology, University of Sydney Law School.
- Karen Fletcher, Executive Officer, Flat Out Inc.
- May Miller-Dawkins, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Yuwaya Ngarra-li, UNSW
- Alex Steel, Professor, Law and Justice, UNSW
- Jennifer Nielsen, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, Southern Cross University
- Alison Whittaker, Senior Researcher, UTS Jumbunna Institute
- Amelia Klein, Solicitor, Redfern Legal Centre
- Dr Julia Dehm, Senior Lecturer, La Trobe Law School
- Althea Gibson, Lecturer, Faculty of Law & Justice, University of New South Wales.
- Patrick Burton, University of Tasmania and Justice Reform Initiative
- David Heilpern, Dean of Law, Southern Cross University.
- Bianca Fileborn, Associate Professor in Criminology, University of Melbourne
- Jonathon Hunyor, CEO, Public Interest Advocacy Centre
- Jonathan Hall Spence, Principal Solicitor, Public Interest Advocacy Centre
- Grace Gooley, Senior Solicitor (Policing, Prisons and Youth Detention), Public Interest Advocacy Centre
- Fiona Allison, Senior Research Fellow, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney
- Paul Simpson, Research Fellow, Justice Health Research Program, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales
- Karly Warner, CEO, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
- Beth Gibbings, PhD Candidate, University of Technology, Sydney
- Mahlia Garay, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, UTS Jumbunna Institute
- Padraic Gibson, Senior Researcher, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney
- Katherine Biber, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney
- Carolyn McKay, Senior Research Fellow, University of Sydney Law School
- Lauren Howlett, Solicitor, Redfern Legal Centre
- Nicole Graham, Professor of Law, The University of Sydney
- Eve Vincent, Chair of Anthropology, Macquarie School of Social Sciences
- Poppy de Souza, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, UNSW
- Moira Murray, Senior Lecturer, UNSW
- Dr Angela Kintominas, Lecturer, Faculty of Law and Justice, UNSW
- Dr Phillip Wadds, Associate Professor, Centre for Criminology, Law & Justice, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Professor Gary Edmond, Head of School, School of Law, Society & Criminology, Faculty of Law and Justice, UNSW
- Gemma Sentance, Research Associate, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney
- Jonathan Bonnitcha, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Amelia Thorpe, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Carolyn Evans, Researcher, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Carla Treloar, Scientia Professor, UNSW
- Amy Cohen, Honorary Professor, School of Law, Society & Criminology, Faculty of Law and Justice, UNSW
- Monique Hurley, Managing Lawyer, Human Rights Law Centre
- Gail Mason, Emerita Professor, Sydney Law School, University of Sydney
- Emma Golledge, Director, Kingsford Legal Centre UNSW
- Jenna Mizzi, Researcher, Flinders University, Adelaide
- Effie Karageorgos, Lecturer in History, The University of Newcastle.
- Osca Monaghan, Lecturer & Director Higher Degree Research in Indigenous Studies, UNSW.
- Andreea Lachsz, Teaching Fellow, University of Technology Sydney
- Emma Colvin, Associate Professor in Law and Criminology, Charles Sturt University
- Professor Kathy Bowrey, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Tom Battersby, Barrister, Victorian Bar
- Martin Bernhaut, Principal Solicitor, Bernhaut Solicitors
- Daniel McLoughlin, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Professor Nan Seuffert, University of Wollongong
- Associate Professor Caroline Lenette, School of Social Sciences, Deputy Director, Big Anxiety Research Centre, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, UNSW
- Jason O’Neil, Lecturer, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Na’ama Carlin, Lecturer, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, UNSW
- Nick Apoifis, Associate Professor, School of Social Science, UNSW
- Emeritus Professor David Brown, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Zoe Horn, PhD Candidate, Western Sydney University
- Ben Golder, Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Dr Laura Bedford, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
- Dr Helen Taylor, POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research, Australian National University
- Dr Melissa de Vel-Palumbo, Senior Lecturer, College of Business, Government, and Law, Flinders University
- Dr Crystal McKinnon, Associate Professor, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
- Dr Clarke Jones, Director of the Reshape Justice Group and Visiting Fellow from the School of Health and Medicine, Australian National University
- Dr Virginia Marshall, Principal Solicitor (NSW), Research Fellow, the School of Regulation & Global Governance, the Australian National University
- Associate Professor Alison Vivian, Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education & Research, University of Technology Sydney
- Dr Sahar Ghumkhor, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
- Josh Pallas, PhD Candidate, University of Sydney Law School; Past President, NSW Council for Civil Liberties
- Dr Liam Gillespie, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
- Associate Professor Nesam McMillan, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
- Samantha Haran, Master Candidate, UNSW School of Law, Society and Criminology
- Michael Richardson, Associate Professor, UNSW School of Arts & Media
- Dr Marc de Leeuw, Associate Professor, UNSW Faculty of Law & Justice
- Dr Dave McDonald, Senior Lecturer, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne
- Kerry, Weste, President and Chair of Children’s Rights, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights
- Sophie Leaver, NSW co-chair, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights
- Claire Loughnan, Senior Lecturer (Criminology) School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne.
- Nicholas Stewart, Vice President, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights
- Lauren Stefanou, Principal Solicitor (Justice Projects, Policy & Practice) Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT; Teaching Fellow, UNSW Faculty of Law & Justice
- Ann Genovese, Professor of Law, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne
- Dr Holly Doel-Mackaway, Macquarie Law School, Macquarie University
- Gemma McKinnon (Barkindji), Responsible Business Manager, Herbert Smith Freehils
- Will Carter, Yiradyuri man, Secretariat for Southern West Yiradyuri Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Director, Indigenous Partnerships UOM
- Julie Stubbs, Honorary Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
- Dr Robert Stirling, CEO, Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA)
- Dr Tania Penovic, Associate Professor in Law, Deakin University; Executive Management Committee member and women’s rights co-chair, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights
- Matthew Keeley, Director, Youth Law Australia
- Meredith Hagger, Principal Solicitor, Youth Law Australia
- Carolyn Jones, Principal Solicitor, Youth Law Australia
- Dr Jordana Silverstein, Senior Research Fellow, Melbourne Law School
- Assoc Prof Neil Hall, Western Sydney University Social Work
- Dr Tamar Hopkins, Honorary Fellow, Melbourne University
- Professor Chelsea Watego, Carumba Institute, University of Queensland
- Dr Adam Booker, Barrister and Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Sydney University
- Assoc Prof Juliet Rogers, Criminology. University of Melbourne
- Dr Bashi Hazard, Principal of BWLaw, Lecturer, Sydney Uni Law School
- Emeritus Professor David Dixon, UNSW Law+Justice
- Professor Luke McNamara, Centre for Criminology, Law and Justice, Faculty of Law and Justice, UNSW
- Gayatri Nair, Policy and Capacity Building, Financial Abuse Service NSW, Redfern Legal Centre
- Emeritus Professor Leon Trakman, Law & Justice, UNSW
- Dr Rimple Mehta, Senior Lecturer, Western Sydney University
- Brenda Tronson, Barrister; and Senior Lecturer, UNSW Law & Justice
- Dr Anthea Vogl, Associate Professor, UTS Faculty of Law
- Dr Ben Silverstein, ANU
- Diana Johns, Associate Professor of Criminology, the University of Melbourne
- Dr Elizabeth Biok, International Commission of Jurists (Australian Section)
- Dr Lisa Billington, Faculty of Law, UTS
- Dr Dora Anthony, Faculty of Law, University of Wollongong
- Dr Scarlet Wilcock, Law Lecturer, University of Sydney Law School
- Dr Janine Gertz, Lecturer, Nura Gili Centre for Indigenous Programs, University of New South Wales, Sydney.
- Witt Gorrie, Senior Social Worker, Beyond Bricks & Bars: Trans and Gender Diverse Decarceration Project, Flat Out Inc
- Samantha Rich, Housing Project Manager, Yuwaya Ngarra-li Partnership, UNSW
- Jackie Mead, Chief Executive Officer, knowmore
- Sean Bowes, Law Reform and Advocacy Officer, knowmore
- Andrea Rogers, Senior Lawyer, Local Aboriginal Land Service - Justice Connect
- Malcolm Ramage KC
- Dr Kayleen Manwaring, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, University of New South Wales, Sydney
- Matt Jarrett, Dunghutti man, student - Law/Social Research and Policy undergraduate degree at UNSW
- Dr Alice Neikirk, The School of Law and Justice, The University of Newcastle
- Alice Zhang, Solicitor, University of Newcastle Legal Centre
- Dr Donna McNamara, Senior Lecturer, The School of Law and Justice, The University of Newcastle
- Dr Rachel Killean, Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney Law School, Sydney
- Dr Michel Edenborough, Lecturer, University of Western Sydney
- Yssy Burton-Clark, Project Officer, Yuwaya Ngarra-li Partnership and Criminology Honours Student, UNSW Sydney
- Associate Professor Amy Maguire, Director - Centre for Law and Social Justice, University of Newcastle School of Law and Justice
- Dr Kcasey McLoughlin, Senior Lecturer, The School of Law and Justice, The University of Newcastle
- Mr Daniel Matas, Lawyer, Clinical Lecturer and Supervisor - University of Newcastle Legal Centre, The University of Newcastle
- Dr Joseph van Buuren, Lecturer - RMIT University
- Warren Smith, knowmore legal services
- Samantha Hanington, Managing Lawyer, knowmore
- Jasmine Garin, Office Administrator, knowmore
- Madaline Nedanovski, Intake Officer, knowmore
- Arlou Arteta, Law Reform Solicitor, Kingsford Legal Centre UNSW
- Dianne Anagnos, Deputy Director/Solicitor, Kingsford Legal Centre UNSW
- Stan Winford, Associate Director, Centre for Innovative Justice, RMIT University
- Megan Kemmis, Manager, Governance Secretariat, Macquarie University
- Fiona Duane, Acting Principal Solicitor, Kingsford Legal Centre, UNSW
- Anne Cregan, Partner, Gilbert + Tobin
- Jessie-Grace Stephenson, Senior Lawyer (Pro Bono), Gilbert + Tobin
- Lisa Harrison, Leadership Consultant, The Learning Pyramid
- Kristin Macintosh, PhD Candidate, University of Sydney Law School
- Souheir Edelbi, Lecturer, Western Sydney University
- Tony McAvoy SC, Frederick Jordan Chambers
- Zoe De Re, Senior Policy Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Tara Walsh, Graduate, Gilbert + Tobin
- Dr Robyn Blewer, Director - Griffith University Innocence Project
- Paul Gray, Associate Professor, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney
- Kirsten Gray, Research Fellow, Jumbunna Institute, University of Technology Sydney
- James Clifford, Managing Solicitor, Children’s Criminal Practice, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Jane Smith, Principal Solicitor, Care Legal
- Jalal Razi, Coronial & Trial Advocate, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Georgina Melrose, Managing Solicitor, Parramatta Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Dr Daniel Joyce, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney
- Ashli Jacky, Project Officer, NSW Justice Projects, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Jessica Syed, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Zilla Gillies, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- David Ierace, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Felicity Forge, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Brenna Maloney, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Katie Murphy, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Dominic Gleeson, Principal Solicitor, Gleesons Law.
- George Rixon, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Chade-Donne Baker, Senior Community Engagement Officer, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Nat Leung, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Hayley Le, Principal Solicitor, Ryan Payten Le
- Olivia Parsons, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Hannah Dreher, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Dr Diana Shahinyan, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Arlie Loughnan, Professor of Criminal Law, University of Sydney
- Morgan Hunter, Barrister, Black Chambers
- David Mulligan, Barrister, Black Chambers
- Harry Vijayasekaran, Paralegal, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Kishaya Delaney, Solicitor
- Alice Loveday, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Deaundre Espejo, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Shona Stewart, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Sean Mabin, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (Tamworth)
- Laura Melhuish, Solicitor - Youth Koori Court, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Elizabeth Nagy, Counsellor, knowmore Legal Service
- Kate McDuff, Solicitor - Aboriginal Legal Service (NSE/ACT)
- Jacqueline Peiser-Oliver, Paralegal - Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Eugene Renard, Barrister, Samuel Griffith Chambers
- Jonathan Wilcox, Barrister
- Usman Naveed, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Gemma Campagna, Principal Solicitor, Campagna Legal
- Michael Stone, solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Hannah Murphy, solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Trish Kashyap, Solicitor
- Stewart O’Connell, Solicitor
- Shawanah Tasneem, Solicitor
- Jordan Moussa, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Ben Willcox, Solicitor, AA Criminal Lawyer
- Dean Fernandez, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Shahad Al Majed, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Services (NSW/ACT)
- Albert Cheng, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Ronica Phan, psychologist (PSY2021538)
- Isabel Ramirez, solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Owen Kirkby, Solicitor, ALS
- Maria Wallis, Solicitor
- Roxana Skidmore, Paralegal, Ryan Payten Le
- Andrew Wong, Barrister, Forbes Chambers.
- Rachel Thampapillai, Barrister, Seventh Floor Garfield Barwick Chambers
- Zenah Moussaoui, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Arjun Chhabra, Barrister, Maurice Byers Chambers
- Daniel Pace, Barrister, Seventh Floor Garfield Barwick Chambers
- Rebecca Mitchell, Barrister, Maurice Byers Chambers
- Declan Ormaechea, Senior Children’s Court Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Sara Jaric, Solicitor Legal Aid NSW
- Daniel Maxton, Solicitor Legal Aid NSW
- Stephanie Fowler, Principal Solicitor, Fowler & Associates
- Natalija Cavar, solicitor Legal Aid
- Sue Higginson, Solicitor
- Matthew Spicer, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Maria Ivanovski, Solicitor
- Callum Johnson, Solicitor, Johnson Defence Lawyers.
- Alexandra White, Solicitor.
- Susie Gidlow, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Kate Bittar, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Kefilina Faupula, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Michael Large, Solicitor, AA Criminal Lawyers
- Nicola Dabboussy, Solicitor, MacDougall & Hydes Lawyers
- Georgina Davey, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Colleen Rose Gonzales, Solicitor, Kingsford Legal Centre
- Claudia Cejas, Senior Solicitor, Children’s Legal Service - Legal Aid NSW
- Emma Hudson-Buhagiar, Senior Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service.
- Suhad Arnab, NT Lawyer
- Freya Cubis, Solicitor, Legal Aid
- Shalini Perera, Solicitor, Legal Aid Nsw
- Sophie Anderson, Barrister, Commercial Bank Chambers, Lismore NSW
- Matt Dimech, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Anneliese Harris, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Heather Webb, Barrister, Forbes Chambers
- Carrie Nicol, Solicitor, Karim and Nicol Lawyers.
- Maer O’Donoghue, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Chayana Miers, Solicitor, Miers Legal.
- Gemma Ridley, Solicitor, Bannisters Lawyers.
- Luke Noonan, Solicitor, Noonan Criminal Lawyers.
- Jessica Caligiore, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW.
- Garrett Bithell, Trial Advocate, Aboriginal Legal Service.
- Abdul Lazki, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW.
- Hannah Osborne, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW.
- Veronica Love, Solicitor
- Haydn McDuff, Solicitor Advocate, Legal Aid NSW
- Leanne Mellor, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Helen Christinson, Solicitor, Hugo Law Group
- Vickie Burkinshaw, concerned citizen
- Sarah Ienna, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Tess Mulock, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Maria Walz, Solicitor, Maria Walz Legal
- Shaun Mortimer, Principal Solicitor, Criminal Practice, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
- Sian O’Shaughnessy, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Georgia Walker, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Christina Nguyen, Administration Officer, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Peter Guirguis, Principal Solicitor, Guirguis Legal
- Samuel Cooper, Solicitor
- Gaston Gration, Solicitor
- Rory Pettit, Barrister, Forbes Chambers
- John Beach, DET teacher
- Jacob Tate, Barrister, Hunter Street Chambers
- Callum Rodgers, Paralegal, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Rebekah Rodger, Barrister, Maurice Byers Chambers
- Jessica Meech, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Sara Bond, Solicitor, Legal Aid
- Karen Read, teacher, NSW Dept Education
- Georgia Lundie, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Lucy Geddes, Barrister, 6 St James Hall Chambers
- Harriet Skinner, Trial Advocate, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Chloe Howard, Solicitor, Swaab Lawyers
- Claire O’Neill, Barrister, Forbes Chambers
- Brodie Purdon, Solicitor
- Sorcha Kaufmann, Clinical Psychology Registrar, Youth Justice
- Matilda Lynch, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
- Tennesy Holtz, Paralegal, Ryan Payten Le
- Binnie O’Dwyer, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
- Mark Dennis SC, Barrister Forbes Chambers
- Julianne Elliott, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Ryan Coffey, Barrister, Martin Place Chambers
- Scott Affleck, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Kylie Anderson Clarke, Solicitor, Legal Aid
- Jayden Namroud, Solicitor, NAAJA
- Priscila Manio, Principal Solicitor, Manio Solicitors
- Arthur Aguirre, Principal Solicitor, AA Criminal Lawyers
- Zoe Alderton, Barrister, Maurice Byers Chambers
- Joseph Simpson, Barrister, Greenway Chambers
- Gabrielle Agius, Solicitor, Ryan Payten Le
- Martin Vazquez, Solicitor, W & Co. Lawyers
- Lara Martyn-France, Solicitour, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
- Alexander Leal Smith, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Bronte Winn, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Imogen Hogan, Barrister, Forbes Chambers
- Claire Stimpson, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Isabella Coghlan, Paralegal
- Stephanie Beckedahl, Solicitor, Hugo Law Group
- Sarah Knight, solicitor, Legal Aid
- Chloe Harrison, Solicitor, Legal Aid
- Abdullah Reslan, Principal Solicitor, Kings Law Group
- Troy Edwards SC, Barrister, Forbes Chambers
- Kathryn Cooper, Solicitor, Cooper Criminal Law
- Nicole Bent, Aboriginal Engagement Advisor, Knowmore Legal Service
- Nathan Allen, Lawyer Gilbert + Tobin
- Nidal Abdi, Solicitor Aboriginal Legal Service
- Grace Hartley, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Daniel Haig, Solicitor, Bolt Findlay Solicitors
- Yolondie Cherry, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Christina Vassiliou, Solicitor, Legal Aid
- Stephanie Erian, Barrister, Wardell Chambers
- Georgia Lewer, Barrister, Forbes Chambers
- Phillip Boulten SC, Barrister, Forbes Chambers
- Peace Decle, Barrister, Commercial Bank Chambers
- Rebecca Dunlop, Solicitor, Rebecca Dunlop Legal
- Amanda Pappas Solicitor, Streeton Lawyers
- Kennedy Alt, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Zoe Whetham, Solicitor, Accredited Specialist (Criminal Law) W & Co. Lawyers
- Kelly Ward, Occupational Therapist
- Michelle Macdonald, Solicitor, Legal Aid
- Paul Cranney, Barrister, Hunter Street Chambers
- Isabel Attwooll, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service.
- Sophie Taylor, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Eloise Barnes, Solicitor, knowmore Legal Service
- Naadirah Sathar, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
- Romola Wearin, Solicitor, Veronica Love Lawyer
- Philip Swaine, Barrister, Maurice Byers Chambers
- Angela Cheng, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Evan James, Barrister, 11 Garfield Barwick Chambers
- Jack Buster, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
- Surya Palaniappan, Barrister, Sixth Floor Selborne Wentworth Chambers
- Adrian Kiely Solicitor Newcastle
- Kirby Hill, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service NS
- George Costantine, Barrister, 11th Floor Garfield Barwick Chambers
- Jane Meredith NSW
- Nadia Karim, Solicitor, Karim and Nicol Lawyers
- Frances Carlow, Financial Counsellor, knowmore Legal Service
- Michela Noonan,Solicitor, Legal Aid.
- Sophie Ogborne, Taylor Rose Australia
- James Payten, Solicitor, Ryan Payten Le
- Michelle Harvey, Shared Services Support Manager, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
- Zoe Huijer, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Joseph Harding, Solicitor Legal Aid NSW.
- Roisin McCarthy, Trial Advocate, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Georgia Gillespie, Law Graduate, Ryan Payten Le
- James Leaver, Barrister, Samuel Griffith Chambers
- Trudie Cameron, Practice Director, Taylor Rose
- The Hon. Greg James AM KC, Barrister, 11 Garfield Barwick Chambers
- Wael Skaf, Principal Solicitor, District Legal
- Paul Hogan, Barrister, Samuel Griffith Chambers
- Sheeza Naz, Solicitor, National Justice Project
- Samuel Connor, Solicitor, Legal Aid
- Timothy Power, Principal solicitor, Power Defence Lawyers
- Angela Garigali, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Braeden Fernandez, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Bethany Burns, Solicitor, O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors
- Ariane Dozer, Head of Projects and Innovation / Solicitor, National Justice Project
- Amelia Oxley, Collaborative Practice Coordinator, knowmore Legal Service
- Appurva Raaj, Solicitor, National Justice Project
- Caitlin Akthar, Barrister, Forbes Chambers,
- Erica Timmins, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Sarah connaughton, psychologist
- Barbara Ramjan NSW
- Alice Nguyen, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Maddison Green, Solicitor, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Penny Crofts, Professor, UTS
- Jodi Fisher, Human Resources Manager, knowmore
- Helenna Barone-Peters, Paralegal, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Community Legal Centres Australia (organisational sign-on)
- Riley Brooke, Policy & Communications Coordinator, Community Legal Centres Australia
- Emily Hamilton, Policy & Advocacy Manager, Community Legal Centres Australia
- Imogen Brackin, Special Projects Officer, Community Legal Centres Australia
- Hannah Bruce, Solicitor, Legal Aid
- Sophie Wenderoth, Solicitor, National Justice Project
- Andrea Hadaway, Programs Lead, Weave Youth & Community Services
- Yasmina Ryan, Paralegal, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Hiroshi Oya, Solicitor
- Hannah Donaldson, Barrister Seventh Floor Garfield Barwick Chambers
- Jennifer Layani Ellis, Barrister, Samuel Griffith Chambers
- Anne Gillian, Coordinator, Children’s Court Assistance Scheme, Western Sydney Community Legal Centre
- Edita Grinbergs, Paralegal, knowmore Legal Services
- Regina Hackett;
- Philip Swaine, Barrister, Maurice Byers Chambers
- Catriona Cotton, Solicitor Advocate, Justicia Advocacy
- John Stratton, SC,Barrister
- Samantha Barnsley, Community Restorative Centre
- Jessica Abi-Khattar, Legal Aid NSW
- Rose Raymond, Solicitor
- Bilal Agha, Solicitor, Legal Aid NSW
- Jenny Lovric, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Emma Hearne, National Justice Project
- Bronwyn Gaylard, Senior Administration Assistant, Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
- Debra Rose, Administration Officer, Walgett Aboriginal Legal Service NSWACT
- Tess Deegan, Solicitor, Kingsford Legal Centre
- Tim Connor, Senior Lecturer, School of Law and Justice, University of Newcastle
- Suzanne Ellis, HR Admin Assistant, Community Restorative Centre
- Jasmin Young, AOD Transition Worker, Community Restorative Centre
- Michelle Bryant, Program Director, Community Restorative Centre
- Nicole Foster, case worker Diversion, Community Restorative Centre- the Miranda Project.
- Clancy King, Partner, DLA Piper
- Nerita Waight, CEO, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VIC)
- Ariel Couchman, CEO, Youthlaw (VIC)
- James Tresise, Principal Lawyer, Youthlaw (VIC)
- Tammy Kamil, Senior Policy Officer, Youthlaw (VIC)
- Damien Corbridge, Senior Transition Worker - Community Restorative Centre (NSW)
- Kimberley Peckham, First Nations Strategy Coordinator, Gilbert + Tobin and Director at First Nations Response (NSW)
- Debbie Simons, Senior Transition Worker - Community Restorative Centre (CRC) NSW
- Siobhan Bryson, CEO Weave Youth & Community Services
- Rio Padilla-Smith, Paralegal - Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Bronte Owens, Administration Officer - Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Kate Darby, Walama List Volunteer - Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Tess Fernan, Pro Bono Solicitor, Clayton Utz
- Aaron Roberts, Solicitor, Streeton Lawyers
- Humairaa Haque, Senior Solicitor
- Nabilah Reza, Senior Solicitor - RACS
- Matilda Bogart, Solicitor, O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors.
- Emily Mayo, Campaign Coordinator, Raise the Age NSW
- Sarah Aljassim, Lawyer, Clayton Utz
- Annie Achie, Lawyer, Clayton Utz
- Liam James, Barrister, Level 22 Chambers
- Tristan McBride-Dowie, Paralegal/Executive Assistant - knowmore
- Sally Ringrose, Program Manager, Community Restorative Centre
- Nikita Taylor, Administration officer - Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)
- Elsa Hajar, Solicitor
- Carla Martin, Transition Case Worker - Community Restorative Centre (CRC) NSW
- Yasmine Musharbash, Associate Professor, School of Archaeology & Anthropology, ANU
- Virginia Brill, Transition case worker - Community Restorative Centre NSW
- Kate Pinnock Jailbreak Health Coordinator Community Restorative Centre NSW
- Bria Hinder, Team Leader - Community Restorative Centre NSW
- Rachel Winter, Solicitor
- Josh Raj, Solicitor, Redfern Legal Centre
- Alanna Van der Veen, Associate-Lecturer, University of Newcastle, School of Law and Justice
- Jarrod Ralley, Solicitor
- Tristan Tipps-Webster, CEO, Reconciliation NSW
- Dr Bree Carlton, Senior Lecturer Criminology, University of Melbourne.
- Siobhan Ryan, Lecturer, UNSW Law & Justice.
- Danny Gilbert, Chairman, Gilbert + Tobin
- Richard White, Honorary Affiliate Associate Professor, History, University of Sydney
- Sidar Demirbag, Solicitor
References:
[1] Productivity Commission, Report on Government Services 2024, Table 17A.21, https://www.pc.gov.au/ongoing/report-on-government-services/2024/community-services/youth-justice
[2] NSW Government, Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Custody Statistics (nsw.gov.au)
[3] NSW Government, Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, NSW Custody Statistics Quarterly Update Report, December 2023. Available: NSW_Custody_Statistics_Dec2023.pdf
See also: