Submission to the Inquiry on Community Safety in Regional and Rural Communities

This submission outlines our recommendations for ensuring that regional and rural communities in NSW are safe, while ensuring that children and young people are given the support they need to keep them out of jail.

This inquiry provides an opportunity to reflect on the justice system as a whole and implement much needed reform and investment in this area, including the key systemic causes of the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in youth justice.

NCOSS works with and for people experiencing poverty and disadvantage to see positive change in our communities and alleviate poverty in NSW. As the peak body organisation representing the community sector in NSW, we have a keen interest in representing the issues and concerns of our members who are currently involved in direct service provision linked to juvenile justice such as children and youth, mental health, drugs and alcohol, child protection, and community development.