Happy World Day of Social Justice
February 20 is a day to acknowledge efforts to tackle social justice issues including gender equity, Indigenous peoples and migrants’ rights around the globe, especially at a time when the concept of equity itself seems under attack.
During February, the National Justice Project has advocated on First Nations justice by addressing two different parliamentary inquiries on joint submissions with Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research. Our CEO George Newhouse and Jumbunna’s Dr James Beaufils appeared at the Senate Inquiry in Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system. Our Campaign Lead Chloe Fragos and Jumbunna’s Alison Whittaker appeared at this week’s Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Inquiry into a Truth and Justice Commission.
We hope that our recommendations to both inquiries are taken into consideration and will keep you updated when the final reports are released to parliament.
ATTENDING | Mardi Gras Fair Day 2025
We were thrilled to be a first-time stallholder at the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day which attracted a crowd of more than 70,000 people to celebrate equality and inclusivity. Welcome to our many new friends who subscribed to the Justice Brief at this event. More than 230 people took part in our interactive survey on the need for alternative first responders with so many responding the ‘completely agree’ category was completely covered in emojis of support.
- Read new position paper on this important issue has now been published.
WEBINAR | Call It Out First Nations Racism Register annual report | Thursday 6 March 2025 | 1pm AEDT
Join us for the release of the Call It Out First Nations Racism Register annual report. Hosted by the partnership of the National Justice Project and Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, the webinar will discuss solutions to racism targeting First Nations people. Hear from Associate Professor Fiona Allison, Professor Lindon Coombs and Professor Chris Cunneen on the role of the register to ensure people have a place to give voice to their concerns and experiences, be heard and contribute to a collective understanding that can help shape a better future.
- Where: Online webinar
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Register here
ADVOCATING | Alternative responders
The National Justice Project today releases a position paper to guide an Australian campaign advocating for appropriate first responders instead of police attending where a health or social response is required. The paper has been widely endorsed by community stakeholders.
MEETING | Social justice students
We were excited to meet with so many talented law students this month. From UTS Faculty of Law O-Week to our Social Justice Clinic at Monash University we’re delighted to support the future of human rights advocates: training the next generation of social justice lawyers.
HONOURING | Woman of Excellence
We are thrilled to congratulate our Deputy Chair Karen Iles on being named a finalist for the Premier's NSW Woman of Excellence Award. This is wonderful recognition of her achievements as a role model and inspiration to others.
REPORTING | In the Media
The National Justice Project advocates for our clients in the courts as well as in the news media, especially around issues on human rights, discrimination and justice reform.
Here are some highlights from this month:
- WA youth justice system a “protection racket,” inquiry told via National Indigenous Times, 3 February 2025
- Calls for Federal Government intervention in state and territory youth justice systems via Croakey Health Media, 7 February 2025
RAISING | $10 monthly for our 10th year
The National Justice Project is looking forward to celebrating our 10th year in 2025, especially with our treasured monthly givers. If you have been thinking about giving us a small regular donation we’d love for you to donate $10 a month to be part of our 10th year. Every dollar helps us fight for a society that is free from discrimination.
The National Justice Project is a Public Benevolent Institution endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) covered by Item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.
MORE:
National Justice Project (NJP)
Address: PO Box 123, Broadway NSW 2007
Tel: +61 2 9514 4440
We acknowledge that we live and work on the lands of First Nations Peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Our Sydney office is located on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, whose sovereignty was never ceded. This land always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.