New funding grants on offer for criminal justice research

• Applications open under new $300,000 fund for research to improve justice system
• Criminal justice research grant program to be administered by Western Australian Office of Crime Statistics and Research (WACSAR)
• Creation of a WACSAR unit was a 2017 election commitment

Applications have opened today for grants from a new $300,000 annual fund for research that makes a practical contribution to improving the criminal justice system in Western Australia.

 

This is the first time the Western Australia Office of Crime Statistics and

Research (WACSAR) Criminal Justice Research Grant Fund has opened for applications.

 

Funding will be allocated to high-calibre research projects each year with applications for the inaugural round of grants closing on January 31, 2022.

 

Chief Justice of Western Australia, the Hon. Peter Quinlan SC and the Commissioner of Police Chris Dawson will be among those on the WACSAR Advisory Board's Executive Committee making the funding decisions.

 

WACSAR, an independent division of the Department of Justice, is encouraging submissions from applicants undertaking research on the following topics:

• understanding justice cohorts;
• what works in crime reduction and offender rehabilitation;
• systemic reform and innovation;
• reducing Aboriginal overrepresentation in the criminal justice system; and
• victims of crime.

It will also consider compelling applications in other relevant areas.

 

The Executive Committee, which also includes the Deputy Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology Dr Rick Brown and is chaired by Department of Justice Director General Dr Adam Tomison, will consider top-up grants for students enrolled in honours and higher-degree research at a WA university.

 

Collaborative grants are also on offer for two or more partners including universities, institutions, not-for-profits and government agencies working together on a research project.

 

For further information and to lodge an application, go here.

 

Comments attributed to Attorney General John Quigley:

 

"The WACSAR Criminal Justice Research Grant Fund is an excellent initiative to tap into and support the academic and research communities.

 

"It is a way to help them make real-world contributions that improve or enhance the criminal justice system, including courts and correctional services.

 

"I encourage researchers focusing on this subject matter to apply for a grant and help the Government develop policies and programs that are evidence-based."

 

Minister's office - 6552 6800