Panel Event
WAJA hosted its very first panel event on Wednesday, 20th October: Effective Methods for Reducing Crime and Recidivism.
WAJA’s Outreach Team spent months planning and organising the event. The panel focussed on bringing to light some key issues in the criminal justice system before turning to effective methods and solutions for reducing crime and recidivism in our community. Approximately 65 students, legal professionals and social justice advocates attended to hear different perspectives from panelists Marianne Mackay, James McMahon and Michael Green, with Dominique Hansen (CEO of Law Access) as MC.
Marianne spoke about the affordable housing crisis and highlighted homelessness as a major contributing factor to crime and recidivism:
Punishment does not deter people because for some it’s their home. What kind of world do we live in where people would rather be in jail because they don’t have a home to go back to? If you have a home, you have stability; you have time for healing; you have time to think about employment.
James shared some of the successful rehabilitation programmes which were implemented in Western Australian prisons during his time as Commissioner for the Department of Corrective Services in WA:
If we continue to revolve, we won’t evolve; if we continue to do the same thing, we will continue to see the same thing.
James emphasised the need to continue implementing successful rehabilitation programmes in and outside the prison system.
Michael spoke about the importance of focusing attention on and investing in areas of which, when deficient, can contribute to crime and recidivism:
People ask me how I improve justice outcomes for people. I say we have to focus on housing, employment, mental health and education because then the justice part will take care of itself.
Michael’s piece of advice to advocate for change is: fall in love with the problem, not the solution.
Marianne Mackay is a mother of seven and Whadjuk Yoorga of the Noongar nation who grew up in the Aboriginal land rights era with her family. Passionate about social justice issues Marianne has been the chair and co-deputy chair of the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee in WA. Marianne is the founder and current director of Moordtj Koort Aboriginal Corporation, working in the areas of health and well-being.
James McMahon is the former Commissioner for the Department of Corrective Services of Western Australia. Prior to his time as Commissioner, James had a long and commendable career in the Australian Defence Force. James was named Western Australian of the Year in 2019 for his service to the community.
Michael Green works with the Australian Red Cross, focussing on improving outcomes for people who are or are likely to be adversely affected by contact with the criminal justice system. Prior to this role, Michael worked in the Police Force, with the United Nations and the Australian Defence Force.
WAJA would like to extend our appreciation to Murdoch Law School and Murdoch Student Law Society for sponsoring the event, as well as our raffle donors The Ellington Jazz Club, Charity Paintball and our anonymous donor.
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