These positions are identified, therefore are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only.
About the ACT Circle Courts
Circle Sentencing is a partnership between the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the ACT criminal justice system to address ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander over representation issues and offending behaviour. Where contact occurs between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the criminal justice system, Circle Courts provide culturally appropriate interactions, encourage connection to community and equip them with the tools to thrive outside of the system.
Since 2004, the Galambany Circle Sentencing Court has operated within the ACT Magistrates Court. The purpose of the Galambany Court is to provide trauma-informed and restorative processes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult defendants through community involvement in sentencing. At Galambany a panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Elders and Respected Persons sit alongside the Galambany Magistrate to contribute to the process through speaking directly to the defendant about ways to prevent offending and providing cultural advice to the Magistrate.
Warrumbul (youth) Circle Sentencing is an alternative model of sentencing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people attending the ACT Childrens Court. Warrumbul allows offenders to be diverted from the mainstream system into culturally meaningful and sensitive justice processes. The Panel of Elders and respected Persons has an opportunity to work collaboratively with the Magistrate to address offending behaviour.
The future may see Circle Sentencing extend to the ACT Supreme Court, with a pilot program currently underway to determine suitability for Supreme Court matters.
About the role
Circle Court Panel Members contribute to the sentencing process in a variety of ways and have a major role in explaining culturally relevant details to the Court. They lead conversations with the defendant to understand the factors that may have contributed to their offending behaviours. Panel members also have a role to let the defendant know that they do not accept or tolerate criminal behaviour in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. They have an opportunity to speak with the defendant to explore ways in which criminal behaviour can be avoided in the future and to help identify the strengths, including cultural strengths, the person can draw on. The Panel sit alongside the presiding Judicial Officer (Judge or Magistrate) to provide valuable input into sentencing considerations.
For a full list of the accountabilities, please contact Pipeline Talent for a copy of the role description at [email protected].
About you
You are an Elder and/or Respected Person who has knowledge of and values that align with trauma informed and restorative practice principles. That is, you understand that personal or generational events, social and psychological problem may have contributed to a defendant’s behaviour. You are supportive of social and/or therapeutic responses, rather than a simple, narrow legal punishment. You will bring your deep cultural knowledge that will guide and benefit defendants and the Courts. You will also have strong community connections to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and an understanding of the justice system. You are resilient in your nature and also possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, a capacity for deep listening and an ability to engage in a trauma informed way.
What we can offer you
How to apply
All applications must be made in writing and include the following:
Applications must be received by midnight Monday 11 November 2024. Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted.
How to get more information
Additional information is available in the role description or by contacting the team at Pipeline Talent.
Tiana Callaughan
Director, Recruitment
[email protected] | [email protected]
M 0476 538 307 | PH 02 8001 6603
Lesina Gibbs-Manuatu
Chief Operating Officer
[email protected] | [email protected]
M 0408 027 880 | | PH 02 8001 6603
Rachelle Towart
Managing Director
[email protected] | [email protected]
M 0431772 377 | PH 02 8001 6603
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