Thursday 01 May, 2025
Tasmanian Aboriginal Youth Justice Strategy
April 2025
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service has welcomed the development of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Youth Justice Strategy.
“We encourage all members from communities across the State to have a voice in this engagement process,” TALS CEO Jake Smith said.
“We believe the strategy must place Aboriginal youth, people and communities at the centre and that long term, community-based solutions and investment is required.”
Mr Smith said the strategy will need to be more than words and promises.
“It will need to have clear goals, timeframes and accountabilities to ensure real action”
“Our young people are significantly over-represented in the justice system”.
“Earlier this year, Aboriginal Youth represented over 40% of youth in the Ashely Youth Detention Centre. This is totally unacceptable and needs to change.”
Media contact: A. Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732
Cultural supports for Aboriginal Youth are vitally important for those held in detention.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS) provides legal assistance and justice supports that are culturally safe as part of its core services and works closely with and alongside the many local Aboriginal community groups, services and individuals across the state to collaboratively and holistically support youth.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service stated it supports the Custodial Inspector’s recommendation, tabled today in State Parliament, to extend voting rights to all people in prison.
TALS CEO Jake Smith said in Tasmania, the Tasmanian Electoral Act allows only individuals serving sentences of three years or less to vote.
April, 2025
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service today called out the Premier’s comments regarding “Adult Crime - Adult Time” laws as unacceptable.
“These comments are a knee-jerk reaction by Premier Jeremy Rockliff in relation to incidents of crime in Glenorchy,” TALS CEO Jake Smith said.