CONTENT WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this email may contain the names and images of First Nations people who are deceased. If you are experiencing distress and are in need of support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN on 13 92 76 for First Nations readers.
We are all still coming to terms with the two Aboriginal deaths in custody in the Northern Territory. Our hearts are broken and we thank you for the outpouring of support that has been shown to the loved ones left behind and the communities who are surrounding them.
We will keep you updated about the role the National Justice Project will be playing to seek justice and how you can support the ongoing fight for justice.
Deaths in custody was also the focus of a powerful series published by Guardian Australia last week. This investigation shows how Australia is failing to make prisons safe, especially for First Nations people. They reported on the dozens of inmates who died by suicide in the past two decades using ligature points that authorities knew about but failed to remove. The National Justice Project has represented the families of some of these individuals and we are saddened that findings from coronial inquests and numerous inquiries calling for ligature points to be removed continue to be ignored.
In a Full Story podcast released as part of the series, experts said investment in prison healthcare is ‘woefully inadequate’ and this is an issue where we continue to fight for systemic change. You can help us support families as they advocate about prison facilities that are no longer fit for purpose and the centres that fail to provide culturally safe care.
With your support, we can continue to fight for improved health conditions in prisons and youth detention as we highlight the critical need for reform.
STANDING | With Yuendumu
National Justice Project CEO George Newhouse represented the family of Kumanjayi White at the Sydney rally in a week of national action. He shared a statement from the 24-year-old Warlpiri man’s grieving relatives.
WEBINAR | The State of Justice in the United States | Thursday 19 June 2025 | 11.30am-1pm ACST
Human rights lawyer and co-founder of the National Justice Project Michael ‘Dan’ Mori will share his insights from the United States on June 19 as we discuss rapidly changing developments impacting due process and human rights across America.
- Bookings: register online via Humanitix
LAUNCHING | Alternative First Responders newsletter
Our first Alternative First Responders newsletter was issued last week! We share updates of advocacy occurring nationwide and reflect on the significant gaps left by an under-resourced support sector. Thank you to all who have signed the pledge.
HIGHLIGHTING | 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 the past month:
- The Briefing: Indigenous deaths in custody via LiSTNR Newsoom Podcast, 12 June 2025
- ‘Heartbroken’: Family of Indigenous man killed in custody plea for answers via National Indigenous Times, 9 June 2025
- A scuffle in the lolly aisle. The sickening death toll climbs. Another family face gut-wrenching grief via The Guardian, 4 June 2025
- What’s the best way for emergency services to respond to a mental health crisis? via ABC Radio Life Matters, 3 June 2025
APPEALING | EOFY Tax Donation
Our end-of-financial-year campaign on discrimination in healthcare has resonated with so many of our supporters and we are delighted you have committed to help us fight for systemic change.
Special thanks to the generosity of long-time supporter the Hooper Shaw Foundation for matching donations up to $100,000!
The National Justice Project is funded by people like you committed to the fight for social justice.
Donate Today
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.
To keep up to date with our strategic legal action and advocacy, visit our website or follow us on your preferred social media platform.
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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.