About

About Justice Co-lab

Our Mission
‍The Justice Co-Lab exists to reimagine youth justice in Australia by empowering communities, Indigenous leaders, and young people to drive the solutions. We believe that the most effective answers to youth crime come from those who are closest to the issues. By creating a collaborative space for grassroots innovation, we support solutions that are community-driven, culturally informed, and focused on healing rather than punishment.
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‍What We Do
‍At the Justice Co-Lab, we foster an ecosystem where lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community leadership are at the core of justice reform.

Our work is rooted in supporting initiatives that:

‍Center Indigenous wisdom: We collaborate with Indigenous thinkers, Elders, and communities to design justice solutions that reflect their values and traditions.
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‍Amplify youth voices: We empower young people, particularly those with lived experience of the justice system, to lead and share their stories.

‍Support innovation: We seek out and invest in individuals and programs that offer innovative, community-based solutions to reduce youth incarceration and reoffending.

‍Build networks: The Co-Lab connects local leaders, policymakers, and international experts, like the Diagrama Foundation, to integrate global insights with local knowledge, creating a powerful synergy for change.

‍Why It Matters
‍Australia’s youth justice system is stuck in a cycle of punishment and control, particularly affecting Indigenous youth. Over-representation, high rates of reoffending, and policies that prioritise incarceration have not only failed to create safer communities—they have exacerbated the problem.

The Justice Co-Lab aims to shift the focus toward cultural healing, rehabilitation, and community empowerment.By harnessing the strength of communities and combining it with global best practices, we are building a model of justice that prioritises long-term outcomes over short-term fixes. We believe that by supporting local solutions and rethinking the structures of power, we can transform the youth justice system and create a just future for all.

‍Our Approach

Collaborative Innovation: We work with community leaders, Indigenous Elders, and youth to co-create solutions. Our role is to listen deeply, provide resources, and create the conditions for these solutions to grow.

‍Investing in People: We don’t wait for change—we actively seek out changemakers and invest in them. By making "bets on people", we ensure that those with the most promising ideas have the support they need to succeed and lead in their communities.

‍Storytelling as Power: Sharing the stories of those who have created positive change is central to what we do. By amplifying local stories, we demonstrate what works and inspire others to follow suit.

‍Join Us: At the Justice Co-Lab, we believe that justice is a collaborative effort. Whether you’re a community leader, policymaker, or supporter, there are many ways to be part of this movement. Together, we can build a future where youth justice is rooted in healing, not punishment.