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.
Welcome to the September issue of the Justice Brief.
News and Updates
ASKING | Justice Kirby your question | Monday 7 December 2026 | 5.30-7.30pm AEDT
Ever wanted to ask one of Australia’s most influential legal minds a question? Here’s your chance. Join us for an exclusive evening with the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, former Justice of the High Court of Australia and a leading voice in Australian law. You’ll have the rare opportunity to put your own question to Justice Kirby, with the event hosted by our incredible Chair, Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO.
HIGHLIGHTING | People are at risk of harm in their own home
We are highly concerned about recent police raids in NSW and WA and the choice to use force. Police cannot continue to be the first response to public and health concerns. If mistakes are going to happen people must not be faced with the end of a gun.
ANNOUNCING | Call It Out gets huge funding boost
Minister McCarthy visited the office to announce a huge funding boost to support the Call It Out First Nations Racism Register, led by Jumbunna Research and supported by NJP, to expand our important work confronting racism in this country.
CONGRATULATING | “I want to make the law more accessible, human and just”
We’re so proud of NJP’s newly admitted solicitor, Maryam, who first joined us as a volunteer in 2024, before working hard as a paralegal. Maryam hopes this is the start of a meaningful journey supporting people failed by the system. We know the legal profession will benefit greatly from having her join.
ADVOCATING | Protecting people from harmful practices in custody
People giving birth in custody should never be shackled. Children should never be strip searched. We have told Parliament why both of these inhumane practices should be banned immediately and why stronger protections are urgently needed for people in custody.
Events
SAVING | The Date 16 October 2026 for Day of Action @ ANU Law School
JOGGING | For Justice - Take on a challenge
Over the next few months, there are some amazing running events across the country where you can take on a personal challenge while supporting the National Justice Project. Every kilometre helps power our work to advance justice and protect human rights.
- VIC | Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival | Sunday 11 October 2026
- NSW | Bondi to Manly Ultra | Saturday 24 October 2026
- TAS | Strait Link Burnie Ten | 25 October 2026
- TAS | Elders Point to Pinnacle & Brooks Point to Pub | 15 November 20226
In the Media
- Statistics show who Queensland police have searched for weapons, or wanded, without warrant via ABC, 26 August 2026
- Exclusive: Memo reveals why NT Police were not charged over this death in custody via SBS, 28 August 2026
- Government Closes Gap Between Racism And Spreadsheet With $2 Million Dashboard via I-News, 2 September 2026
- Register documenting racism against First Peoples secures $2 million in funding via NIT, 3 September 2026
- 'Racism is a scourge': anti-racism register gets multi-million dollar funding boost via NITV, 3 September 2026
- Albanese government funds national register to track Indigenous hate and racism via AUSTRALIAN, 3 September 2026
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.