Previous reviews and inquiries including the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Pathways to Justice report, NT Ombudsman review into Alice Springs Women’s Correctional Facility and consultations for the Northern Territory Aboriginal Justice Agreement have identified the need for alternatives to custody to address the underlying causes of offending.
The Alterative to Custody (ATC) model is an innovative, community-based approach to reducing the high rates of Aboriginal incarceration and recidivism in the Northern Territory. ATC are a critical component of the government’s commitment to support local leadership and decision-making.
The community-operated residential facilities provide the courts and community with an alternative option to a term of imprisonment for eligible Aboriginal offenders and those identified as at risk of offending or reoffending. The Alice Springs ATC is available to eligible Aboriginal women above 16 years who are engaged in the justice system or at risk of engagement.
Presenters
After completing his schooling in the Pilbara region and of Western Australia and in Perth, Warren spent 15 years serving in senior roles within the Australian Army.
After this career, Warren has raised his family in the Northern Territory, spending the last 20 years with Northern Territory Police in various remote, regional locations performing roles in general duties and specialised units including tactical policing, public order management, and remote policing and recruit training.
In working across the entire Northern Territory, Warren has developed unique and genuine relationships and strong partnerships across the Northern Territory with Aboriginal people and agencies that are outside the justice arena.
These experiences have ensured that Warren has exceptional skills in management, leadership and corporate governance as well an eye for detail.
Warren’s interaction with other government agencies, non-government organisations including all four Land Councils in the Northern Territory and with government and Aboriginal people has equipped him to have outstanding skills in policy, planning and risk management. Warren has assisted in establishing and delivering social justice outcomes including Alternatives to Custody and the establishment of Law and Justice Groups.
The recognition of these skills resulted in Warren’s initial secondment and now permanent position with the Attorney-General Department as the Deputy Director within the Aboriginal Justice Unit where he is responsible for managing staff, and the implementation of deliverables as outlined in the Northern Territory’s first Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
Warren’s calm, respectful, focused and friendly personality has ensured that outcomes for any task, large or small, easy or complicated are achieved with integrity, honesty, and with vigour to succeed any outcome to the highest standard.
