A magistrate in regional Western Australia has taken an unusual approach to reducing the Indigenous incarceration rate, telling a 16-year-old Aboriginal boy to be like the American rapper 50 Cent.

Geraldton Magistrate Dean Potter was sentencing the teenager over a string of burglary charges.

"Like you, 50 Cent came from the most tragic, traumatic circumstances," he told the teenager in court.

"He was able to rise above them through sheer hard work and dedication.

"I think you have the potential to do the same and avoid a life in that criminal justice system."

50 Cent's drug dealing mother died when he was eight. By 50 Cent's teenage years he was also dealing, and in 2000 he was reportedly shot nine times.

'Miracle' teen did not enter justice system earlier: magistrate

Mr Potter suggested the Geraldton boy's home life involved witnessing domestic violence, alcoholism and drug use.

"It's a miracle he has not been through the criminal system earlier," Mr Potter said.

"That says something [about] your character. Your mother must be solid as a rock.

"A lot of people don't have the personal strength to go beyond their circumstances, but for the most part you've been able to rise above it."

WA prisons have the highest percentage of Indigenous prisoners of all Australian jurisdictions, bar the Northern Territory, according to Bureau of Statistics figures.

Today the Federal Government announced an inquiry into Australia's Indigenous incarceration rate, which Attorney-General George Brandis has described as a "national tragedy".

In his sentencing remarks, Mr Potter referenced the difficulties facing Aboriginal people in WA's judicial system and urged the boy to be the face of change.

"As a young Aboriginal man, if you end up in that system, your chances of turning your life around will only grow slimmer," he said.

"You don't want to be part of the problem, you want to be part of the solution.

"In 10 years I want to look you up and see your successes."

"If people were able to walk a mile in your shoes, I think they'd be as astounded by you as I am."

Teen faced 49 charges

The teenager was facing 49 theft and burglary charges, after stealing property worth more than $10 000.

He pleaded guilty to 14 burglary charges and was sentenced to a six-month intensive supervision order and 40 hours of community service.

Mr Potter did not sentence him for the remaining 35 charges, believing his mother would punish him appropriately for those offences.