Dear Minister Burney

We know you’re against the incarceration of children - you have told us 10 is too young.

That your government is taking national leadership in pursuing justice for children in contact with the criminal justice system is monumental. The Labor Party pledged millions of dollars toward justice reinvestment, and I am adding my name to the list of advocates, activists and community members who want to see your government’s pledge come to fruition. 

The evidence of experts concludes that violent actions or behaviour in young children are often directly linked to experiences of trauma, neglect, harm or unaddressed mental or physical health problems. A justice reinvestment approach enables these experts to identify and address the root causes of this behaviour, in order to improve it and divert children away from the criminal justice system.

Having $79 million invested into First Nations-led solutions will immeasurably benefit children, families, and communities. This money will have a huge impact in breaking the cycle of the over-representation of First Nations children in the criminal justice system. The Northern Territory government’s own research has already proved this to be true.

Please ensure, at this Federal Budget, that the needs of communities are considered and that Labor holds true to their commitment toward justice reinvestment.

Yours sincerely,