The Justice Re-Investment model seeks to divert all that funding into vulnerable communities. Education, health, social services such as childcare, rehab and community development programs that address the underlying causes of crime. Additional savings made are also re-invested.
Campaigner Kate Finlayson from the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) says: “The Justice Re-investment Campaign is nifty; it focuses on the economic argument and a community happiness argument.”
The model is based on mapped evidence showing large numbers of young offenders often come from small numbers of vulnerable communities. Early intervention and program prevention can change the outcomes for these communities. It has been successful in the UK and USA because it speaks the blunt language of economic rationalism.
The NSW campaign brings together an incredible coalition of community organisations and individuals. Aboriginal leaders, leading lawyers, social justice and human rights campaigners, including NSW Governor Marie Bashir, Human Rights Commissioner Mick Gooda, Dr Tom Calma, Jack Thompson, Mick Dodson, Marcia Ella Duncan and Chris Cuneen. Young people are also involved, in making videos and other content for the website, developing a social media approach and participating in the recent launch of the campaign. This extensive alliance distinguishes the Justice Re-Investment campaign.
