This week I'm delighted to participate in the Raise Our Voice program. Young Australians have written speeches to have their voices heard. I'm pleased to present two speeches on behalf of young constituents in Werriwa.

The second young person is Zartasha:

In a nation that prides itself on justice and equality, how can we ignore the glaring overrepresentation of Indigenous voices in our criminal justice system?

Statistics from BOCSAR and ABS reveals that 66.4% of young offenders in remand or detention are Indigenous Australians, an alarming figure that demands urgent action. The disproportionate rates of crime in rural and remote areas highlight the severe lack of accessibility to essential services, exacerbating the problem.

Over the next decade, I call on parliament to intensify research into the underlying causes of crimes committed by Indigenous people and to prioritise strategies that reduce incarceration rates and promote rehabilitation.

Successful initiatives such as the Justice Reinvestment NSW program in Bourke, which significantly reduced driving offences and domestic violence, demonstrate the power of culturally-informed counselling services tailored to Indigenous needs.

Additionally, expanding the use of youth justice conferences for broader ranges of offences can make a profound difference, as seen in Victoria, where recidivism rates for young Indigenous offenders are notably lower than in NSW. These approaches offer a clear path forward.

We must confront this injustice head-on, committing to a future where the criminal justice system protects and serves all citizens, not just the privileged few. The time to act is now.

Thank you for this thoughtful contribution, Zartasha.

Link to Hansard: Full Speech