Communique - Townsville Visit August 2024

We visited Townsville from 26-27 August, marking the first in a series of regional trips across Queensland, to improve our understanding of local efforts to support young people, the broader community and people who are currently interacting with the criminal justice system. It was also an opportunity for us to observe how the criminal justice system responds on the ground.

Cleveland Youth Detention Centre and the Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre - we visited various units and engaged with staff, including nurses, educators, and officers, to gain insights into their operations and support programs for incarcerated women and young people.

Queensland Police Service in Townsville – we discussed the unique challenges they face as a key frontline service and explored different approaches to crime prevention, including trauma-informed practices and collaborative partnerships with local services.

Local magistrates – we spoke about how the local court system operates and specifically, how it interacts with the Murri Court and Specialist Domestic Family Violence Court in Townsville.

Ted Noff’s Street University – we learned about their efforts to support young people who lack access to traditional support services. We also had the opportunity to view their facilities and meet some young people.

Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service Youth Service – the team shared how they break down social barriers and provide crucial support through initiatives like the Lighthouse Program, offering a safe space for at-risk youth.

Sisters Inside – we learned how their team supports women who have had contact with the criminal justice system. We discussed the various ways they guide women through a ‘decarceration journey’ and support women to connect with essential outreach programs.

Townsville Early Action Group – we spoke with representatives from this cross-agency team who work closely with young people who have interacted with the system, families, and supportive services to provide positive outcomes.

Elders for Change - we met with local Elders to discuss their vital role in supporting and sharing their cultural knowledge with women inside Townsville Women's Correctional Centre. We learned that over a long period of time, they have built strong relationships and trust with the broader community, drawing on their own lived experience to provide culturally sensitive support and guidance.

Through our discussions with government agencies, members of parliament, and local services, several key themes emerged regarding the criminal justice system’s response to crime and support for victim-survivors:

1. Long-term funding models - sustainable funding arrangements enhance the continuity and impact of government-funded services.
2. Interagency collaboration - effective communication and coordinated responses among government agencies can significantly improve the experiences and outcomes for victim-survivors of crime.
3. Prioritising correctional care - focusing on the care and support needs of individuals in correctional facilities can positively impact re-offending rates.
4. Rehabilitation initiatives - expanding 'pilot programs' into full-scale initiatives provides engagement opportunities within service delivery programs, supporting the rehabilitation of individuals who have committed an offence.
5. Role of non-government organisations - local services are crucial in mobilising community responses to crime, especially in early intervention efforts and for First Nation’s people.