2990. Hon Alison Xamon to the Leader of the House representing the Attorney General:
I refer to my question on notice 1710 of 22 November 2018, and to my question without notice 1167 of 16 October 2019, and I ask:
(a) has any progress been made towards the development of a new Aboriginal justice agreement;
(b) if yes to (a):
(i) what progress has been made; and
(ii) what is the anticipated timeframe; and
(c) if no to (a), why not?
Hon Sue Ellery replied:
(a) The Department of Justice (the Department) is committed via its Reconciliation Action Plan 2018–2021 (RAP) to establishing an external Aboriginal Advisory Group. The proposed group will provide cultural advice to the Department regarding Aboriginal justice matters and will comprise diverse representation from metropolitan, regional and remote Aboriginal communities. The group will support the McGowan Government and the Department in delivering outcomes through reciprocal expertise and knowledge sharing with Aboriginal people and communities in Western Australia. The Aboriginal Advisory Group will also consider, and provide advice on, whether there is a need for a new Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Aboriginal people and their representatives should have an opportunity to determine if a new Aboriginal Justice Agreement should be developed. The establishment of an Aboriginal Advisory Group is a necessary first step in this process.