Research briefs
Research briefs are designed to progress Indigenous evidence-based policy making by making research findings accessible to policy makers. The series of briefs will draw together knowledge in a particular area or will raise issues where further research is needed. The series of briefs encompass topics that are current Indigenous policy issues.
| 7 | Sentencing Indigenous offenders (PDF 956kB) When sentencing Indigenous offenders, courts in Australia and New Zealand do their work in the knowledge that the rates of Indigenous imprisonment are much higher than the rates for the community as a whole. This brief seeks to provide an evidence base for the development of law and policy by highlighting some key issues concerning the sentencing of Indigenous offenders. It first outlines the statutory frameworks that are in place in Australia and New Zealand. Second, it discusses the development of common law principles relating to the sentencing of Indigenous offenders, focusing on the relevance of Indigenous status and Indigenous laws (often called customary law) and cultural practices. Finally, it reports on the results of statistical studies of sentencing of Indigenous offenders. |
| 6 | Identifying the risks for Indigenous violent victimisation (PDF 910kB) Colleen Bryant It is not a new observation that Indigenous people in Australia experience violence at a higher rate than the general population. The impact of violence on Indigenous people and their communities has been widely documented by government and non-government inquiries, reports and commentaries. As in all populations, some individuals, families and communities are more likely to be victims of violence than others. Identifying who is at risk, and the circumstances that increase those risks, is important for the implementation of targeted preventative strategies, such as night patrols and family counselling, and other services, including hospitals and child protection. This paper summarises the demographic and social factors associated with being a victim of violence. |
| 5 | Indigenous Sentencing Courts (PDF 483kB) Elena Marchetti This brief focuses on Indigenous sentencing courts, which operate in all Australian states and territories except Tasmania. These courts have been established according to protocols and practices, and can be distinguished from more informal practices that occur in remote areas where judicial officers travel on circuit. The first court was established in Port Adelaide on 1 June 1999. Indigenous sentencing courts do not practise or adopt Indigenous customary laws. Rather, they use Australian criminal laws and procedures to sentence Indigenous offenders who have either pleaded guilty or been found guilty, but they allow Indigenous Elders and Respected Persons to participate in the process, thereby creating a more culturally appropriate forum for sentencing Indigenous offenders (Auty 2004). |
| 4 | Staying strong on the outside: improving the post-release experience of Indigenous young adults (PDF 139kB) Robyn Gilbert and Anna Wilson The rate of imprisonment of Indigenous people in Australia and New Zealand continues to be unacceptably high. Indigenous people are more likely to return to prison than are non-Indigenous people. How can young Indigenous adults be assisted to make a successful transition from prison to the community? What public services and community supports have been shown to contribute to a successful transition? |
| 3 | Sarah Macgregor This Brief examines whether programs designed to treat sex offenders in Australia and New Zealand are effective in reducing sexual recidivism. The review of the evaluation findings indicates that the vast majority of programs are effective in reducing sexual recidivism. Further evaluation work is needed in the Australian context including examination of the effectiveness of programs for Indigenous sex offenders. |
| 2 | Bail support in Australia (PDF 120kB) Gabrielle Denning-Cotter This Brief examines programs that are designed to assist a person to successfully complete their bail period. From a review of the Australian and international literature, principles of best practice are presented and current bail support programs for adults and juveniles in Australia are outlined. It was found that there are very few Indigenous specific bail support programs. |
| 1 | Research on strong Indigenous communities (PDF 130kB) Ruth Lawrence The first brief examines strong Indigenous communities. This brief describes the variation in Indigenous crime rates among communities and describes what we know about safe communities that have low rates of assault and property violence. The Brief describes what Australian research is available and suggests further research in this area based on innovative international research. |
