One Minister, Both Portfolios: CASWA Meets Minister Buti on Justice Reform
CASWA met Minister Dr Tony Buti MLA on National Aboriginal Children's Day to discuss gains at Banksia Hill, Unit 18, bail and remand reform, and getting more ACCOs contracted to deliver justice services.
Insights
On National Aboriginal Children's Day, CASWA Chairperson Chips Bin Kali and Chief Executive Officer Chad Stewart sat down with Minister Dr Tony Buti MLA — his first meeting with CASWA since taking on the Corrective Services portfolio.
One Minister, both portfolios. That is an opportunity CASWA is genuinely optimistic about: the chance for a real partnership agreement with the Department of Justice, rather than separate conversations across different parts of the justice system.
On the table: the hard-fought improvements to the treatment of kids in Banksia Hill, Unit 18, the Aboriginal Visitor Scheme, bail and remand reform, and getting more Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations contracted to deliver justice-related services.
Right now only a handful of ACCOs hold a Department of Justice contract to provide rehabilitation and reintegration services — despite Aboriginal people making up around 44 per cent of Western Australia's prison population. CASWA is keen to help change that story.
The Minister was open and receptive to working together on the areas we raised, and on long-term justice reform more broadly.
We thank Minister Buti for his time and look forward to continuing the conversation.