This foundational unit provides you with the knowledge and skills to work effectively within Indigenous contexts of the Criminal Justice System. This unit responds to the over-representation of Indigenous Australians within the criminal justice system, as offenders and as victims. You will discuss the impact of invasion and economic disenfranchisement on individuals and communities and explain systemic responses in policing, courts and corrections. Through the curriculum, you will be equipped with the skills and expertise to work toward sustainable societies that respond to inclusiveness based on respect for human rights, the rule of law and good governance. This unit explores the position of Indigenous Australians before the Western justice system and provides you with the attributes that allow you to be an active citizen engaged in reconciliation and social justice for Indigenous Australians.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Anectdotal; UC reflection

Learning from assessments

The workbook task should be revisited to evaluate whether it meets the key objectives of the unit and is challenging enough for students. Consideration should be given to a more robust task wherein a broader distribution of skills and knowledge could be assessed.

Feedback from UC reflection

Inclusion of First Nations representatives

The unit has consistently delivered high student evaluation scores without the inclusion of First Nations voices directly during workshops (this are provided via secondary sources, such as documentaries). However, now that the baseline currculum has been established, the unit could be elevated further by engaging with Indigenous voices directly during workshops to provide students with insight from those with lived experience.