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Corporate information

Corporate plan 2005-2009

Approved by the Minister for Justice and Customs, August 2005

Our vision

The Australian Institute of Criminology (the Institute) will achieve and maintain eminence as the national centre for policy-related research which provides the best available and highest quality information on crime and justice in Australia.

Our role

The Institute is the national research agency for the collection, analysis and dissemination of criminological data and information. The Criminology Research Act 1971 establishes the Institute as a statutory agency and sets out the Institute's functions and governance arrangements. The Act creates a board of management comprised of representatives of the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments which gives general direction to the Institute and approves its research program.

Our relationship to the National Research Priorities

The Institute's work falls within the Australian Government's National Research Priority Area, Safeguarding Australia, and in particular the third priority goal Protecting Australia from Terrorism and Crime.

Outcome statement

The provision of information and advice based on high quality research that will help to inform government of activities which promote justice and reduce crime.

Our approach

We will achieve this outcome by:

Undertaking high quality research that creates new information and data or analyses the best available information and data from within Australia and around the world;
Communicating and assisting in the understanding of the practical implications of our research findings to stakeholders and the community and contributing to discussions on crime and criminal justice issues;
Working proactively and cooperatively with the Minister for Justice and Customs and the Attorney-Generals Department on issues of crime and criminal justice;
Establishing and improving our working relationships with governments, community groups, industry and professional associations with an interest in issues of crime and criminal justice;
Seeking out avenues for funding our research activities that enhance our ability to meet our outcomes;
Monitoring and assessing our performance in order to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of our outcomes; and
Assisting our staff to reach their potential through the provision of a supportive, fair and professional working environment.

Goals and strategies

1. To undertake impartial and policy-relevant work of the highest standards on crime and criminal justice

Strategies

to undertake research in our key monitoring programs on crime and justice including the collection and analysis of information and data;
to undertake specific research or evaluation projects that underpin public policy debate and development in areas of importance to stakeholders;
to anticipate and respond to emerging areas of criminological concern to our stakeholders;
to ensure that the Institute's research assists in addressing the Australian Government's national research priority areas; and
to produce information of value to the Minister and our stakeholders.

2. To actively disseminate research findings to policy makers and practitioners across Australia and internationally in a timely manner

Strategies

to promote the Institute and the Criminology Research Council's research through the publication and dissemination of research products;
to conduct cost-effective conferences, roundtables and seminars;
to deliver timely and cost-effective information services to external clients; and
to provide an informative and up-to-date website that is valued by key stakeholders.

3. Ensure that the Minister for Justice and Customs and the Attorney-Generals Department are fully informed in a timely manner of the Institute's research activities

Strategies

to meet the Minister's expectations of the Institute;
to continue to improve communication with the Minister and the Attorney-General's Department;
to seek and to respond to feedback from the Minister and the Attorney-General's Department on the Institute's research; and
to be a source of advice to the Minister and the Attorney-General's Department on emerging criminal justice issues.

Corporate values

The Institute seeks to promote a co-operative and harmonious working environment. In seeking to achieve its mission, the Institute adheres to the Public Service Values and the Code of Conduct and implements and maintains standards of good corporate governance that meet government requirements.