A new Nunga Court has been established at the Port Lincoln Magistrates Court, giving the local Aboriginal community the chance to be involved in the sentencing process for certain offences.
It’s the first new Nunga Court to begin operation since the process was enshrined by law by the State Government earlier this year.
The Nunga Court is available to Aboriginal defendants who have pleaded guilty to offences that can be resolved in the Magistrates Court.
Through the process, an Aboriginal Elder or Respected person can sit with the Magistrate and advise on relevant cultural and community matters that should be considered in the sentencing process.
The Port Lincoln Nunga Court, which officially opened yesterday is South Australia’s fifth – with the Nunga Court already sitting in Port Adelaide, Murray Bridge, and the Narrunga Court sitting in Maitland and Yalata.
It is expected to sit nine times a year.
As put by Kyam Maher
This is an incredibly important initiative that ensures cultural and community knowledge forms part of sentencing proceedings.
I’ve been proud to watch this program thrive, especially through our commitment to protect the Nunga Court in law.
It’s been especially heartening to see the level of support for the Port Lincoln Nunga Court during consultation with Aboriginal communities, the legal profession and non-government services that operate in the region.
