Recommendation 331

This recommendation is assigned to CSNSW.

Recommendation

That the National Standards Body consider the formulation and adoption of guidelines specifically directed to the needs of Aboriginal prisoners. In that process the findingsf147 and recommendations of this Commission relating to custodial conditions and the treatment of Aboriginal persons in custody should be taken into account.

Context

The Royal Commission identified the lack of recognition of culturally unique requirements of Aboriginal prisons in the National Guidelines. Recommendation 331 is directed at ensuring this is rectified through formal guidelines. 

Detail of implementation

 In April 2013, Corrective Services Ministers and CSAC directed the Senior Officers Indigenous Working Group to develop a document outlining the Minimum Standard Guidelines for managing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori prisoners and offenders across Australia and New Zealand.

The Indigenous Strategic Framework is a guide that provides the key issues for consideration in managing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori prisoners and offenders, focussing on systemic issues that can impact on the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori people in the criminal justice system.

The Indigenous Strategic Framework was finalised and endorsed by CSAC and Corrective Services Ministers in 2016.  The principles should be considered together with the Indigenous Strategic Framework.  The Indigenous Strategic Framework is published on each correctional agency’s website.