4 July, 2025
The Land Rights Network is actively embracing a push to increase Aboriginal Justices of the Peace (JPs) in NSW.
Early last year shocking statistics revealed only 22 (or .03%) identified as Aboriginal of the 65,000 JPs in NSW. The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), which runs the JP system, realised things needed to change and change quickly!
As part of its approach, DCJ has tapped in to the Land Rights Network and the Regional Forums held regularly by NSWALC Councillors. This has attracted great buy-in from Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) members.
A DCJ tent at Koori Knockout also attracted 121 people signing up.
Our newest LALC, Wangaaypuwan LALC, now has 2 JPs on the books after a Western Regional Forum in Cobar, while a presentation at the recent Wiradjuri Regional Forum in Albury was well received.
“It was great to hear about the JP First Nation project, from DCJ at the Wiradjuri Regional Forum,” Wiradjuri Region NSWALC Councillor Leeanne Hampton said. “To hear about the application and renewal processes was really helpful and LALC members could have their questions directly answered by the JP team.
“We know how important it is to have JPs in our small, remote and isolated communities, people they can trust and feel comfortable going to. JPs witness and certify documents, for example to help with getting a driver’s licence, support payments for a housing allowance, getting married/divorced, getting a loan for a car or getting into TAFE. To have our own mob as JPs, who will provide information in a culturally sensitive way, will bring a great benefit to Aboriginal communities,’’ Cr Hampton said.
Below: Photo mural courtesy DCJ
Top and bottom (left and right) – applicants at the 1st regional workshop in Moree
Top centre – staff from Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation after taking their JP Oath of Office at the Downing Centre
Bottom centre – Uncle Richard Campbell – artist of the wonderful JP Artwork
There were recent workshops at Broken Hill and Wilcannia while JP First Nation Project staff also presented at last month’s Central Region forum at Dubbo (see photos below).
The JP team offers free workshops and assistance for mob to become a JP. Email jp@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Other links
Read about NSW’s longest serving Aboriginal JP, Wongaibon Elder Uncle William (Bill) Phillips here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-02/nsw-indigenous-jp-lifetime-of-service-to-community/104981238
Read more about Rick Welsh, a Murrawarri man and former cultural coordinator of an Aboriginal suicide prevention service, who with Helena Confrey, from DCJ, got the project up and running:
https://lsj.com.au/articles/efforts-to-lift-first-nations-jp-numbers-grow/
