Aboriginal Law Bulletin --- "Community Justice in North Queensland" [1988] AboriginalLawB 18; (1988) 1(31) Aboriginal Law Bulletin 2

• Community Justice In North Queensland

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Community Justice in North Queensland

The Aboriginal Co-ordinating Council in Cairns has produced a report outlining problems encountered by its Community Justice Programs. The programs were set up under the Community Services Act 1984 and amongst other things, establish Aboriginal community police and courts. After several years in operation, the Council is reviewing the scheme to improve its effectiveness.

Much of the report is devoted to problems arising out of ambiguities in the status of the schemes. For instance, in form the Aboriginal police appear to have an analogous role to municipal council rangers. In function, however, their duties resemble more closely those of the State police.

The report makes twenty recommendations which the ACC hopes will

provide a basis for discussion in the review. Included in the recommendations are calls for:

• the extension of the Community Council law making powers;
• formal training for community police and JPs;
• the incorporation of community police as 'Special Constables' with powers of arrest;
• greater co-ordination between community justice groups and the State police;
• training for State police in Aboriginal affairs and screening of officers sent to work in Aboriginal communities.

Copies of the report are available from the ACC, PO Box 6512, Cairns 4871. The ACC would appreciate any comments or submissions.