NSW SHERIFF RECRUITS INDIGENOUS OFFICERS
NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos today announced the appointment of 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee Sheriff's Officers following a state-wide recruitment drive.
Congratulating the new recruits, who begin a 12-month traineeship next week, Mr Hatzistergos said they would provide an important link between Indigenous communities and the justice system.
"This is the first time the NSW Sheriff has specifically sought Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for trainee positions," Mr Hatzistergos said.
"I welcome the appointment of the 20 new recruits and wish them every success as they begin a rigorous training program."
"Indigenous sheriff's officers are best placed to understand the cultural identity of Indigenous people.
"I trust that they will also act as role models, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders who come before the courts."
Mr Hatzistergos said the state's 298 Sheriff's Officers play a pivotal role in our legal system.
"Sheriff's Officers uphold the security of NSW courts, manage the state's jury system, serve summonses and enforce writs" he said.
"The cultural experience of our new trainees will also enable them to help with Indigenous programs such as Circle Sentencing, where community Elders
participate in the sentencing of Aboriginal offenders."
Training of the new Sheriff's Officers will be held at Dubbo's Charles Sturt University campus and PCYC from September 22. They will also visit rural, regional and metropolitan centres to observe and learn from experienced Sheriff's Officers as they go about their duties.
The new officers will be deployed to Bankstown, Blacktown, Bourke, Broken Hill, Burwood, Campbelltown, Sydney's Downing Centre, Dubbo, Goulburn, Liverpool, Moree, Newcastle, Orange, Parramatta, Queanbeyan, Tamworth, Taree, Wyong and Wollongong.
