Naidoc

Mr Amatto says that locking people up only makes the problem worse. Jails feed the issue.

“Jail is not working for us. What’s in place now is not working so let’s try something else. Let’s try to dig deeper to get a solution.

“If you lock up a dog, it goes mental.

“The drug culture in jails would make a glass eye cry.

“It’s actually much worse than it seems. There are men who come to jail with a traffic fine and end up an addict. It doesn’t help the drug culture – untreated drug and alcohol addiction makes it worse.”

Mr Amatto believes the government has a lack of knowledge of what actually happens in correctional facilities.

“They haven’t got any idea what happens in the system and the trauma that leads up to the crime. They have never lived the experience.”

From a cultural perspective, Mr Amatto wants to help others who may be suffering as he did.

“This problem is not going away and we need to support their needs at a crucial time,” he said.

“Rehab is not a magic wand but it’s a lot better than what the jail gives. My words are starting to get out there, it’s having a big ripple effect. Rehabs are kicking goals; people are starting to listen. There’s still a long way to go.

“It’s not just affecting one person, it’s the family, kids, mum, dad, cousins. It’s the broader community. That’s why I do what I do.”

Read more of his story on Facebook: Jeff Amatto "More Cultural Rehabs Less Jails".