Criminology Research Council grant ; (1/93-4)
The results of this research indicate that based on the statistical analysis of Koorie offending in Victoria between 1989-90 and 1993-94, Koorie contact with the criminal justice system in Victoria has become worse over the five-year post-Royal Commission period of analysis.
The proportion of offenders in country Victoria as compared with metropolitan Melbourne has increased markedly between 1989-90 and 1993-94 from 48 per cent to 59 per cent respectively. Similarly, the average increase in Koorie offending rates per 100 000 persons is particularly high in country Victoria (39.7 per cent) and only marginal in metropolitan Melbourne (2.7 per cent).
There have been various law reform initiatives as well as many recommendations of the Royal Commission pertaining to law and justice in this area. However, the Royal Commission's recommendation to decriminalise public drunkenness has not been implemented in Victoria and the research shows that this is having disproportionate effects on Koories in Victoria.