Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Ministers statements: Aboriginal Justice Forum

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:23): I rise to update the house on the 65th Aboriginal Justice Forum, held in Shepparton, country of the Yorta Yorta peoples, last month. I had the privilege of attending the Aboriginal Justice Forum with the Minister for Police Minister Carbines in the other place. The Aboriginal Justice Forum is a collaborative partnership between government and senior members of the Indigenous community where we work together to tackle the hard issues that have a disproportionate impact on First Nations peoples. We are all stronger for the Victorian government’s longstanding partnership with the Aboriginal Justice Forum. Our ability to discuss topical issues and consult freely on important policy decisions has led to better and more robust decision-making and ultimately legislation in this place. I was grateful for the opportunity to attend the forum, to hear from members and to update them on the progress and commitments our government has made.

The Aboriginal justice agreement is a 23-year partnership between the Victorian government and the Aboriginal community, the longest of its kind in the nation. It continues to grow stronger every day as both parties engage in good faith and the shared interest of empowering and improving outcomes for Indigenous Victorians. It is always sobering hearing from respected community elders and those embedded in the community on how the government can continue to improve the lives of First Nations peoples. This government is always committed to improving – improving our processes, improving our decisions and, most importantly, improving outcomes for all Victorians. I would once again like to thank the Aboriginal Justice Forum for welcoming me so warmly and for their honest and important dialogue as we continue to work towards empowerment and self-determination.