Real change starts with community voices and community-led solutions.
Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following may include the names of First Nations people who have passed away. This email also includes distressing content.
Across health, youth justice and anti-racism work, change happens when communities lead and shape the solutions that affect their lives.
This can mean building culturally safe models of care, pushing for better first responses for young people, and demanding accountability when institutions are harming families.
In this edition of the Justice Brief, we’re sharing stories of community-led solutions, powerful advocacy and the people driving change across Australia.
News and Updates
RECOMMENDING | Young people deserve support, not police force
Last month, we shared our recommendations with the NSW Select Committee on Youth Justice, calling for urgent investment in alternative first responders for young people. Police-first responses are not working, and children’s lives are being shaped by the justice system before they’ve had the chance to be children. Research from Australia and around the world shows that young people need early engagement, family support and community-led solutions. Communities already know what works, and when they lead, outcomes are stronger.
REPORTING | Human Rights Commission accepts racism complaint against NSW Police
The Australian Human Rights Commission has accepted a racial discrimination complaint against NSW Police and Belgravia Leisure after several First Nations families were forced from the Inverell public pool last year. After staff called police over claims some children were “not following the rules,” families say they were threatened with trespass and escorted out. This decision is a huge step toward accountability and lasting change.
UPDATING | Final days of support available for submissions to the Racism Inquiry
A national inquiry into racism, violence and hatred towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is underway, and there are only a few days left to make sure community voices are heard before the 1 May deadline. Call It Out, a Jumbunna Research Institute initiative supported by the National Justice Project, is supporting people to share their stories. If you would like support, please get in touch before 24 April 2026.
TALKING | What Health Justice means for First Nations families
What does it take for healthcare to feel safe, respectful and free from racism? Across Australia, First Nations people are still being denied culturally safe healthcare, with laws, policies and systems creating barriers to access. In this month’s Justice Journal, we explored what Health Justice means in practice, why community-led healthcare matters, and how First Nations communities are leading solutions that work.
CELEBRATING | The National Justice Project team
Huge congratulations to Isabella, who has been admitted as a solicitor after joining the National Justice Project in 2024. Inspired while volunteering at Redfern Legal Centre, Isabella knew that working in social justice was her calling. As she takes the next step in her career, Isabella says her admission also brings a responsibility to approach legal practice in a way that recognises the importance of First Nations customary laws and the harm often perpetuated by Australia's formal legal system.
WEARING | National Justice Project Tee to Support us
Support our work by purchasing one of our brand new t-shirts or tote bags. Featuring our beautiful Justice Blossom Tee, 100% of the profits power our fight for justice.
AUST | NJP | WEBINAR | Alternative First Responders Campaign: Action Webinar | Thursday 28 May 2026 11am-1.30pm AEST
Join us for a free online webinar to explore how we can demand real change and advocate for alternative first responders to police.
Ahead of the Victorian state election, we’re bringing together leading advocates who are rethinking police-led first responses and driving the work in community-led solutions. Speakers to be announced soon!
You’ll then take part in on-the-spot actions to turn ideas into real, meaningful change.
Together, we can build momentum and put alternative first responders firmly on the state agenda.
- Where: online, link provided to registrants
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: essential, online via Humanitix
HIGHLIGHTING | In the Media
- Human rights scrutiny over Indigenous families pool ban via First Nations News, 10 April 2026
- NT government urged to release 'secretive' review into Kumanjayi White's death via ABC News, 9 April 2026
- Human Rights Commission accepts racism complaint over Inverell pool incident via National Indigenous Times, 10 April 2026
- NT Police silent on charges into Kumanjayi White's death in custody via National Indigenous Times, 2 April 2026
- Kumanjayi White's family not told independent force review was complete via National Indigenous Times, 9 April 2026
- NSW Police ordered several First Nations families to leave Inverell public pool via Noongar Radio, 5 April 2026
SUPPORTING | Social Justice
The National Justice Project is funded by donors committed to the fight for social justice.
As a Public Benevolent Institution, The National Justice Project is 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.
Kind Regards,
The National Justice Project Team
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.