National Justice Project is a cutting-edge human rights law firm fearlessly fighting to end discrimination. The National Justice Project uses strategic litigation to hold institutions and systems accountable for upholding the rights of all people across this nation. A priority of this work has included policing and prison reform. All members of the community should feel safe and respected when interacting with police services. However, police frequently violate the human rights of diverse communities.
Across conversations, research, advocacy, surveys and feedback there is a growing and positive consensus that in Australia we need a policy and funding commitment for alternative first responders to police. Despite overwhelming support from research and communities, there has been a longstanding failure to commit to alternative first-response models, along with poor funding for health, social, and community support services at all levels of government.
As a result, police as the current first response is ineffective and fails to meet the diverse needs of the community. This default police-first response causes significant harm to individuals, their families and entire communities. The impact is profound and long-lasting. Alternative first response models aim to achieve outcomes that connect individuals with their communities, treat people with care and respect, and recognise people as whole beings. These models empower people to make decisions that best meet their individual needs, while securing access to both short-term and long-term support that addresses all aspects of their wellbeing. At the core of these outcomes is a process and approach that rejects punishment or isolation.
The need for alternative first responders is gaining momentum across the nation, and we have a growing coalition focused on ensuring that the policy approach to alternative first responders is co-designed, place-based, and prioritises community wellbeing, inclusivity, empathy, and safety.