Indigenous Administration Officer

Queensland has over 130 established Magistrates Courts. Most criminal proceedings in Queensland are first heard in the Magistrates Court. If a matter is required to be transferred to a higher levelled court the matter may be heard in the District or Supreme Court. Unlike the Supreme and District Courts where a Judge presides, Magistrates Courts have no jury. Due to this, the Magistrate makes all decisions in criminal matters including any penalty.

Court sittings are held in locations across Queensland ranging from Thursday Island in the north, Goondiwindi in the south, Mount Isa in the west and Coolangatta in the east. Judges and Magistrates travel to remote and regional areas to ensure all Queenslanders have access to justice.

**Community Justice Group Program and Murri Court**

The Community Justice Group (CJG) Program was established in 1993 in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC).

Community Justice Groups aim to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who are being over-represented in the Criminal Justice System through sensitising the justice system to the needs and cultural values of Our Mob. Through the ongoing support of members within the Community Justice Group, community, stakeholders and government agencies, the Community Justice Group is strengthened in reducing the incarceration rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

The Murri Court provides a culturally appropriate court process in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is respected and acknowledged. Murri Court is supported by Elders and Respected Persons from the Community Justice Group. The Elders/Respected Persons and the Coordinator provide The Courts oral and written submissions regarding a defendants personal and cultural background. The Courts are also provided information relating to appropriate services the defendant was linked into towards addressing their offending behaviour.

**About the Role**

The Administration Officer assists the Murri Court Coordinator, Court Support Officer and the Brisbane Murri Elders Community Justice Group in their operations within the Supreme, District and Magistrates court. This position is employed through Five Bridges, the auspice body, who provides governance, recruitment and management responsibilities for the Brisbane Murri Elders Community Justice Group.
- Knowledge and Experience Required_
- Strong administration skills - Organised, thorough and meticulous attention to detail, ability to touch type and operate comfortably with all platforms of the Microsoft Office program and other relevant programs expected.
- Sound interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal in public settings include demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively perform duties in an organisation, achieving goals and meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate meetings and appointments.
- Business or Business Administration Qualifications desirable.
- Responsibilities and Accountabilities_
- Provide a high level of professional engagement whilst tending to telephone calls, attending meetings and in general discussions with Five Bridges and/or Brisbane Murri Elders Community Justice Group business.
- Ensure the workspace and occupied spaces are clean and tidy at all times.
- Processing of financial invoices for both stationary and justice group payment needs.
- Attend court sittings to provide assistance to victims and offenders where needed.
- Link victims with support and legal services.
- Organise and arrange meetings every second month with Community Justice Group members and keep records of all minutes.
- Manage, develop and deliver reports to Five Bridges, DJAG and the Brisbane Murri Elders Community Justice Group, ensuring to be accurate and thorough in this delivery.
- Establish and maintain records and filing systems. This includes all staff and justice group paperwork's' that are required for operational purposes and record keeping.
- Assist with creation of rosters for Murri Court activities and send out reminders to CJG members to ensure their attendance at rostered commitments.
- Maintain personal Positive Notice blue card notice and monitoring of the blue card register for all members of the Brisbane Murri Elders Community Justice Group.
- Provide assistance to other Five Bridges staff at the Brisbane Courthouse as required.
- Provide assistance to Five Bridges CEO and Community Programs Manager as requested.

**Application requirements**:
Indigenous Workstars specialises in the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into employment in a variety of communities and industries across Australia.