Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (AJAC) provides independent cultural advice and guidance to the Department of Justice on matters affecting Aboriginal communities.
The Committee helps ensure the justice system is fair, culturally informed and responsive to the lived experience of Aboriginal people.
Newly appointed members Dylan McCarthy, Raylene Button, Jamie Strickland and Makalla Skonis are joined by reappointed members including Jean O’Reeri, Henry Lockyer, Daisy Ward, Elizabeth Ellis, Justin Kickett, Amanda King, George Hayden and Joslyn Eades-Tass.
Established in 2021, AJAC comprises Aboriginal representatives connected to metropolitan, regional and remote areas across Western Australia.
The Committee plays a key role in strengthening relationships between the justice system and Aboriginal communities.
AJAC also supports the Department in progressing justice targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
It reports directly to Department of Justice Director General, Kylie Maj, who is the Committee’s Chairperson, and briefs the Attorney General and the Minister for Corrective Services.
The Department’s Acting Executive Director for Aboriginal Justice Transformation, Trent Davies has been appointed as Secretariat of the AJAC.
Director General Kylie Maj said that by embedding cultural knowledge, the Department is contributing to achieving Closing the Gap outcomes and Reconciliation Action Plan targets.
“It is essential that cultural knowledge and lived experience from Aboriginal communities guide everything we do to achieve equitable outcomes”, Ms Maj said.
Acting Executive Director Aboriginal Justice Transformation, Trent Davies, said AJAC ensures departmental policy directions are shaped through meaningful involvement.
“By working in partnership with AJAC, we are delivering sustainable justice transformation that meets the needs of Aboriginal people.”
Members help the Department to find solutions to issues including youth offending, safe housing, homelessness, and preventing deaths in custody.
To find out more about the AJAC Committee and its members, visit the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee page.
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