A program to support people with intellectual disability to better understand and advocate for their rights, an expanded support service trial in courtrooms, and a legal sector internship program for women with disability are among the newest measures to make justice more accessible in the ACT.
The Disability Justice Strategy Second Action Plan sets out a roadmap for the next four years to ensure the rights and needs of people with disability are at the forefront of our justice system.
Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said the Second Action Plan marked another step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable justice system for Canberrans with disability.
“This new action plan demonstrates our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a justice system that truly serves all Canberrans,” the Attorney-General said.
“We recognise people with disability face unique barriers when interacting with the justice system, and this plan outlines concrete steps to address these.”
Key initiatives of the plan include:
- Diversion: Investigating intervention and support programs to prevent unnecessary contact with the criminal justice system.
- Ensuring safety: Strengthening safeguards to protect people with disability from abuse, violence, and neglect within the justice system.
- Improving experiences: Enhancing communication, accessibility and cultural responsiveness across all justice agencies.
The plan includes the voices of people with disability and is the result of extensive consultations with community organisations and justice sector stakeholders. It builds on the successes of the First Action Plan, which led to the establishment of dedicated Disability Liaison Officers and increased awareness of disability within justice agencies. The critical role of Disability Liaison Officers is set to continue under the Second Action Plan.
The Disability Justice Strategy Second Action Plan is available here:
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury:
“We have made significant progress, but we know there is more work to be done. This Second Action Plan reflects our ongoing commitment to listening to the voices of people with disability and working collaboratively to achieve a truly inclusive justice system.
“We are confident that these actions will make a tangible difference in the lives of people with disability, and we look forward to working with the community to implement this plan and continue our journey towards a more just and equitable ACT.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability Rachel Stephen-Smith:
“Canberrans with disability too often experience disadvantage, marginalisation and poor outcomes from engagement in the justice system.
“This new action plan, developed in close partnership with the disability community, reflects our commitment to listening to lived experiences and working collaboratively to achieve meaningful change and embed consideration of people with disability into the justice system.
“I regularly hear from the disability community that the Disability Justice Strategy has made a real difference on the ground. The new initiatives build on the successes of the First Action Plan and take further strides to ensure that our justice system is truly fair, accessible and inclusive.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections and Justice Health Emma Davidson:
“More than 60,000 Canberrans have a disability and research shows they have the greatest occurrence of legal issues of any disadvantaged group and less satisfactory resolution of legal issues.
“With recent changes to the NDIS under the Commonwealth Labor Government, we will see more people with disability left without the foundational support they need to live well and safely in the community. We will likely see more people engaged with the justice system as these reforms reduce people’s access to services currently only available within NDIS plans.
“The ACT Disability Action Plan ensures more people will have access to the services and support they need to have fairer outcomes in the justice system, recognise the unique ways their minds and bodies work, and ensure they have the best support possible for rehabilitation and to live well in the community.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Police and Crime Prevention Mick Gentleman:
“The Disability Justice Strategy affirms our commitment to ensuring that ACT Policing is accessible and responsive to the needs of all Canberrans living with disability. This Second Action Plan will play a key role in enhancing police interactions and ensuring that everyone feels safe and respected when engaging with law enforcement.”
Quote attributable to Renée Heaton, Co-Chair of Disability Justice Reference Group:
“The Second Action Plan represents a crucial milestone in our journey towards an accessible and disability-responsive justice system in the ACT. It’s about building on the foundations that have been laid since the release of the Strategy in 2019 and the successes of the First Action Plan. This plan includes a series of tangible actions and commitments made by justice agencies that will continue our journey of achieving lasting change.”
