Conferencing
History
The scheme introduced by the Act is the outcome of over ten years of experimenting in diversionary processes for young offenders. Lessons learnt from similar legislative schemes operating in New Zealand, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland, and from other non legislative schemes such as the 'Wagga Wagga model of extended police cautioning', Community Aid Panels, and Community Justice Panels were incorporated into the drafting of the Act, and in implementing and establishing operational arrangements.
An evaluation of a trial scheme of Community Youth Conferences also guided its framers.
The Act incorporates the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CROC), and other international instruments on juvenile justice. It is also consistent with the NSW Charter on Victims Rights.