The Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia says there is a long way to go in addressing the over-representation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system.
The comment comes as we today mark 40 years since the tragic death of John Pat at the hands of police in the Pilbara town of Roebourne.
The 16 year old’s death in 1983 led to the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
The Royal Commission handed down 339 recommendations, many of which haven’t been implemented more than 30 years later.
The young man’s death has had a lasting impact on the community who continue to call for action on incarceration rates.
Aboriginal Legal Service of WA CEO Wayne Nannup says “our men, women and children continue to be over-policed and over-represented in every aspect of the criminal justice system.
There is an urgent need for more Cultural training within the WA Police Service and Justice Reinvestment practices to be embraced.”
Mr Pat’s 57 birthday would have been next month.
