Statement from the Australian Bar Association – Terms of Reference finalised for ALRC Inquiry into incarceration rate of Indigenous Australians

10 February 2017

Australian Bar Association has welcomed the appointment of Judge Matthew Meyers AM of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia as Commissioner of the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) inquiry into the incarceration rate of Indigenous Australians.

The ABA believes the terms of reference will allow the ALRC to consider the complex nature of the underlying causes of Indigenous imprisonment and the criminal justice policies which may be contributing to its’ disproportionate growth.  The ABA’s is pleased to see the terms of reference include the scope to review recommendations from previous reports, an evaluation of the effectiveness of justice reinvestment programs and consultation with the Indigenous community.

 “The ABA looks forward to ALRC recommendations into Indigenous incarceration rates, and will continue to campaign Governments to immediately introduce the legal reforms that have already been recommended,” said ABA President Will Alstergren QC.