New data shows that in 2024-25, the ACT Government spent an estimated $36.2 million on detaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Alexander Maconochie Centre and the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre, compared to just $15.4 million on delivering services through Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations.
The ACCO funding data was revealed through a recent question asked in the Assembly by the independent Member for Kurrajong, Thomas Emerson MLA. The detention costs come from Productivity Commission data released earlier this year.
"The ACT Government has committed to building the ACCO sector to deliver services to Close the Gap, yet they've been pouring far more money into incarcerating First Nations people than funding ACCO-led services for them," Mr Emerson said.
"It's easy to talk about justice reinvestment and supporting First Nations people, but following the money reveals what the ACT Government has actually been prioritising.
"People don't turn to a life of crime without reason. We know services that improve the lives of people experiencing disadvantage lead to reduced crime. We need long-term upstream investment that strengthens communities, keeps people out of jail and saves money downstream."
Read the article here: https://nit.com.au/20-04-2026/23806/data-reveals-act-government-spending-more-than-double-on-locking-up-first-nations-people-than-on-aboriginal-community-services