Closing the Gap Target 11 Annual Report (2024)
What was at stake
Aboriginal youth incarceration target off track
What happened
Across Australia, the national target to reduce Aboriginal youth detention by 30% by 2031 is not being met. Instead of decreasing, rates of Aboriginal youth incarceration have increased in four out of eight jurisdictions, indicating a continued and worsening systemic issue for Aboriginal young people.
What the court decided
Target 11 (reduce Aboriginal youth detention by 30% by 2031) NOT on track. Rates increased in 4 of 8 jurisdictions. Only ACT on track (due to Raise the Age). National commitment failing.
How the court got there
The Productivity Commission determined that Target 11 is not on track based on empirical data showing an increase in Aboriginal youth detention rates in half of Australia's jurisdictions. While the ACT showed progress, attributed to its 'Raise the Age' initiative, this was insufficient to offset the negative trends elsewhere. The national commitment is consequently deemed to be failing due to a widespread lack of progress.
Statutes and cases cited
- § National Agreement on Closing the Gap (2020)
Categories
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