Justice reinvestment is a way of working that shifts power and decision making to First Nations communities to self-determine the best way to improve justice outcomes in their community. It works by bringing together local First Nations people to share data, evidence, their lived experiences and expertise to design and develop a holistic justice response that is unique to their local community.

Although the specific priorities of each community may vary each justice reinvestment initiative will commonly adopt a life course approach to crime by focusing on early intervention and prevention in intersecting areas of justice. These may include but are not limited to policing, health, housing, education, employment, family support along with access to culture and language. Whilst working primarily at the local level justice reinvestment also provides communities with the tools to advocate their experiences into broader calls for systems change including within service delivery and law or policy reform.