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Showing posts with label Activism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Activism. Show all posts

AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | August 2026

[Edited extract from public address]
Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following includes the names of First Nations people who have passed away. This email also includes distressing content.

 News and Updates 

Kumanjayi White’s family learn police chose not to prosecute officers over his death

More than a year after Kumanjayi White died in police custody, his family has learned that police chose not to prosecute the officers involved. The family are now left with even more questions about what happened and why the decision was made.

Major changes to mental health crisis response

NSW has announced a major new approach for people experiencing mental health distress. While the government says the  $270 million investment will provide better support, we still have questions about what this will mean for people in crisis.

What happens after Yoorrook Justice Commission?

Victoria’s truth-telling commission, Yoorrook, heard from First Nations people about their experiences of injustice. But what happens now? A new project looks at what it will take to turn Yoorrook’s recommendations into action.

One legal case can change the future

A legal case can deliver justice while changing the future for everyone who comes after. Our UTS Clinic students are exploring powerful cases where legal action has changed government policy, held institutions accountable and helped prevent the same injustice from happening again.

Holding police power to account

Between 2017 and 2022, 43% of critical incidents involving NSW Police happened during a mental health crisis. People in crisis need support, not force. The Alternative First Responders campaign is calling for a NSW Human Rights Bill to prevent harm and hold governments accountable.

Your complaint needs careful guidance, not guesswork.

Hear Me Out is a project brought to you by the National Justice Project and is available to users making New South Wales, Victorian or federal-based complaints.

 Events 

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.

 In the Media 


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.

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AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | August 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

When policing causes harm, what needs to change?  

Videos of police violence, stories of misconduct and growing calls for accountability have once again forced a national conversation about policing and public trust.

But alongside questions about what happens when policing causes harm, communities across Australia are asking something much bigger: what does genuine public safety look like?

For many people, safety means more than enforcement. It involves access to housing, healthcare, community support, youth services and systems that respond to harm without causing further harm.

In this edition of the Justice Journal, we explore both sides of that conversation. We look at the reforms needed to strengthen police accountability, and we hear from people working to build community-led approaches to safety.
 

Prioritising care over force

We work alongside people, families and communities seeking answers and accountability after harmful interactions with police. We’ve seen the lasting impact these experiences can have when the systems meant to keep people safe instead cause harm.

That's why we've contributed to the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) review, calling for stronger oversight, greater transparency and more effective accountability.

Accountability matters, but it's only part of the picture. Building safer communities also means investing in approaches that prevent harm before it happens and make sure people get the support they need when they need it.
 

Communities leading the way: Beyond Survival Project

Every day, community organisations are already doing the work and supporting people across Australia who have been failed by the system.

At our Alternative First Responders’ recent Action Webinar: VIC Elections 2026, Lauren Caulfield from the Beyond Survival Project spoke about the project's work supporting people who have experienced family violence policing harms through legal assistance, family violence support and community advocacy.

Lauren also shared findings from the Harm in the Name of Safety, a report based on a survey of more than 270 family violence workers across Victoria. The report highlights widespread concerns about policing responses to family violence and reinforces the need for greater investment in community-led responses that keep people safe.

Watch the full webinar to hear Lauren and other advocates discuss the community-led solutions already making a difference across Victoria.
"We are calling for a redistribution of resources to frontline and family violence services, to build and strengthen community pathways, and for funding for an Alternative First Responders pilot in Victoria." – Lauren Caulfield, Beyond Survival Project
 

In conversation with... the Alternative First Responders team

As communities question whether police should be the default response to every crisis, the Alternative First Responders campaign is calling for community-led, health-focused alternatives that prioritise care over force.

What gives this movement its momentum?
People are wanting to grow the conversation. This isn’t just about personal opinions. This is common sense approaches and policy and people can see that. The deep desire people have to have those in their communities responded to with care and dignity gives me hope that this will become the status quo for what shapes policy investment.
– Jacinta Wright, Policy & Projects Officer

Why are more people questioning policing as the default response?
The growing use of force by police is institutional, cultural and strengthened by a growing ‘tough on crime’ policy agenda. We are not experiencing a rise in crime across the country. We are experiencing a safety net crisis where people are being allowed to fall through widening cracks. While social, community and health supports remain underfunded, governments continue to invest in policing as the primary response. More people are questioning this approach because they're seeing its impacts firsthand.
– Chloe Fragos, Project Lead

What gives you hope as you work towards alternatives to policing?
Seeing people come together to drive change, and the immense efforts that are in action and happening on the ground. There's so much love in this space, and there's a lot of grit too. I am constantly in awe of organisations and individuals who fiercely embody the principles of alternative first responders, who have done so for a very long time and who we continue to rally alongside in the call for dignity and care in the first response. The people united will never be defeated.
– Zoe Edema, Campaign Content & Advocate
 

How to take action

  • Join hundreds of people who are calling for care, not force by signing the Alternative First Responders pledge. Sign
  • Download the Kitchen Table Conversation Toolkit and start meaningful conversations about community safety. Read
  • Tell your local MP why community-led, health-focused crisis responses matter using our ready-made templates. Write
 
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.

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AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | July 2026

[Edited extract from public address]
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 July issue of the Justice Brief.

 News and Updates 

TAKING | Strategic Legal Action – speaking out leads to lasting change

One family's decision to speak out has led to change across the Australian Electoral Commission. Barkindji Koori man Murray Benton and his family lodged the complaint following traumatic experiences at a polling booth during the 2023 Voice Referendum. The AEC has now introduced major reforms to improve the experience of First Nations peoples engaging with the Australian electoral system.
 

EXPOSING | Powerful evidence ongoing racism in Australia through Public Inquiry

Powerful evidence of racism, hate and violence targeting First Nations people has been shared through a Parliamentary Inquiry. Together with Call It Out, in partnership with Jumbunna Research, and the Alternative First Responders Campaign, we've called for urgent change.

REPORTING | Appeal – Thank you to supporters this End of Financial Year

Because of generous supporters, we raised more than $205,000 to help protect children experiencing harm in Australia. Support helps us to stand alongside our clients, advocate for change and work towards a future where every child feels supported and cared for.

NAIDOC – Celebrating trailblazers this NAIDOC week

This NAIDOC Week, we celebrated the First Nations trailblazers who have shaped Australia's future and whose achievements continue to inspire communities. Through their courage and leadership, they have paved the way for future generations. Meet some of the trailblazers leading change like Chair of the Board Larissa Behrendt.

IMPACTING | Community – Having a mental health crisis is not a crime


The Alternative First Responders team stood alongside BEING - the peak body for mental health consumers in NSW, as well as families, advocates and community organisations to honour lives lost following police responses to mental health crises. Find out why we're calling for greater investment in community-led alternatives.
 

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.

HIGHLIGHTING | In the Media


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.

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AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | June 2026

[Edited extract from public address]
Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following includes the names of First Nations people who have passed away. This email also includes distressing content.

We're reflecting on the children and families we’ve stood alongside, and the urgent work still ahead.

Across Australia, children are being harmed by the government and systems that are meant to protect them, through racism, over-policing, detention and denied healthcare.

At the National Justice Project, we work alongside families to challenge these injustices and push for lasting change.

With just one week left until the End of the Financial Year, gifts are currently being doubled and will help us continue taking on cases, holding institutions accountable and pushing for a future where every child is safe to simply be a child.
This month, we're also sharing what the Mark Haines findings mean after almost 40 years, and how you can support alternatives to police-led crisis responses.

 News and Updates 

APPEALING | Every child deserves the freedom to just be a child.

Every child deserves the freedom to just be a child. Yet across Australia, government policies and systems continue to harm children through racism, over-policing, detention and family separation. We work alongside families to challenge these injustices, seek accountability and push for change. This EOFY, your support is being doubled and will help us continue standing with communities and working towards a future where all children are safe and cared for.

REPORTING | Coroner rules out suicide in death of Mark Haines

The Coroner has ruled out suicide as the cause of death of Gomeroi teenager Mark Anthony Haines and strongly criticised the way NSW Police investigated his death. Mark was 17 when he was found on train tracks outside Tamworth on 16 January 1988. The Coroner also found that racial bias likely influenced the response to his death. For decades, Mark’s family has fought for answers about what happened to him, showing extraordinary strength, dignity and perseverance in their fight for justice.

BUILDING | Momentum for alternatives to police

More than 200 people joined our Alternative First Responders: Turning Ideas into Action webinar from across Australia to discuss practical alternatives to police-led crisis responses. Speakers shared how health workers and grassroots organisations are already responding safely to health and social crises without the need for police interactions. The conversation focused on the urgent need for governments to invest in community-led models that are already keeping people safe.

RAISING | Concerns over rushed child protection reforms

Children's connections to family, community and culture are at risk under proposed changes to NT child protection laws. In a submission to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee, we have raised concerns that the reforms are being rushed through without meaningful consultation with First Nations communities.

NSW | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Mental health and policing interactions in NSW | survey closes 30 June 2026

When someone is in crisis, they deserve care, not force. Right now, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission is reviewing how NSW Police respond to mental health call outs. Lived experience is powerful evidence and it matters. Share your perspectives.


The impact of racism on First Nations children

Speaking on SBS's The Point this month, National Justice Project's Ariane Dozer discussed the rise in racism across Australia and the growing number of reports involving First Nations children. Ariane highlighted the devastating impact racism has on children captured by the Call It Out First Nations Racism Register delivered by the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research and the National Justice Project.

HIGHLIGHTING | In the Media


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.

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AUST | NJP | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Justice For Children Impacted By Incarceration

[Edited extract from public address]

Thanks to a generous matched giver, every dollar you donate before midnight on Sunday 14 June 2026 will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact.  

For the next five days, every donation to the National Justice Project will be doubled.

That means when you give today, you'll send twice as much support to children and families seeking justice.
  • $25 becomes $50.
  • $50 becomes $100.
  • $100 becomes $200.
  • $250 becomes $500.
Right now, we're seeking justice for children impacted by the government’s cruel offshore detention policies, standing alongside First Nations families challenging discrimination and fighting for young people harmed in youth detention.

But we can't do this work without supporters.

Our goal is to raise $200,000 before 30 June 2026 so we can take on more cases, support more families and continue holding governments and institutions accountable for harming children.

Until Sunday 14 June 2026, your donation will go twice as far. Please make the most of this opportunity to double your support for children’s safety.

Because every child deserves the freedom to simply be a child.
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.
 
With sincere gratitude,
The National Justice Project

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.

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AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | May 2026

[Edited extract from public address]
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.

'Reconciliation is not a spectator sport' is the message behind this year's National Reconciliation Week theme.

This is a direct call for all of us to stand alongside First Nations people and commit to reconciliation every day.

Held from 27 May–3 June, the week recognises the journey to secure First Nations rights, and is a powerful reminder of how far we still have to go.

With Reconciliation Week just around the corner, now is the time to reflect on how we show up, because reconciliation doesn't stop when the week ends, and the weight of this work shouldn't fall on First Nations people.

Read on for ways to support First Nations people beyond National Reconciliation Week, plus the latest news and updates.

 News and Updates 

STANDING | Alongside First Nations people every day

Standing alongside First Nations people doesn’t mean just watching from a distance. While the weight of reconciliation has always fallen on the people it's meant to serve, there are practical steps every non-Indigenous person can take right now to change this. From supporting First Nations businesses, to calling out racism when you see it, and amplifying voices that continue to be ignored, it’s time to act!

LAUNCHING | Kitchen Table Conversation toolkit

We launched the Alternative First Responders Kitchen Table Conversation Toolkit, a resource designed to spark meaningful conversations about alternatives to policing and community safety. At an event organised by The Law Reform and Social Justice program, we gathered with supporters to ask: what does real community safety look like? And what are the alternatives to police?  

ANSWERING | What it means to volunteer with us

We're celebrating National Volunteer Week by spotlighting four incredible people who gave their time to the National Justice Project over the past year. During their time with us, volunteers gain hands-on experience in strategic litigation and advocacy, while helping drive real change with communities. We asked them about the moments that stayed with them, what they learned, and why it mattered.

REPORTING | Bold legal ideas to tackle the climate crisis

A new report captures the bold legal strategies developed by teams of experts to tackle the climate crisis at our third LawHack. The winning team from Gadens proposed an innovative compensation scheme to protect communities from climate harm. Other standout ideas from the legal teams included pathways for people with disability to access recovery support during extreme weather, and new approaches to increase the use of electric vehicles.

CONGRATULATING | Our UTS Law students on their first Moot Court

It’s a proud milestone for our UTS Law students as they’ve just completed their very first Moot Court with us. We partnered with the UTS Faculty of Law and the Jumbunna Legal Strategies Hub to launch a program which gives students real-world experience of how the law can be used to make change. It enables students to work on high-impact cases and gives them the practical skills needed to push for law reform. We can't wait to see what next semester brings.

REMINDING | Action Webinar Alternative First Responders | Thursday 28 May 2026 | 11-12.30pm 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 and grassroots organisers who are rethinking police-led first responses and driving the work in community-led solutions.

Speaker List:
  • Apryl Day, Dhadjowa Foundation
  • Harm Reduction Victoria
  • Footscray Mall Friends
  • Beyond Survival Project
  • Southside Justice
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.

Sign up now to listen, learn, and take action.
  • Where: Online event is held via Zoom. Access Link will be provided via email one day before the event.
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: online via Humanitix

UPDATING | Privacy Policy

We've recently updated our Privacy Policy. Questions? Contact us at info@justice.org.au
 

HIGHLIGHTING | In the Media


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.

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CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | Film Club: Banned Together | Wednesday 6 May 2026 | 11am-1pm

 [Edited extract from public address]

A timely film that pulls back the curtain on two of the most controversial issues in America today – book bans and curriculum censorship in public schools. 

Follow three students as they fight to reinstate 97 books suddenly pulled from their school libraries. As they evolve from local to national activists, they meet with banned authors, politicians, and the major players protecting the First Amendment of the American Constitution. 

An explosive story that exposes the powerful forces behind book bans and censorship in the U.S. Features a diverse cast of visionary teenagers, stirring public protests, private threats, criminal charges, and drama-filled school board meetings.

Banned Together (2025) | Country: USA | Rating: PG

Two sessions available, other session St Kilda Library | Monday 4 May 2026 | 12noon-2pm
      • Where: Emerald Hill Library, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne Victoria 3205
      • Cost: Free
      • Bookings: online via Trybooking

      MORE:

      Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
      City of Port Phillip
      Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia
      Telephone: 03 9209 6655

      City of Port Phillip Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. ​We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

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      CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | Film Club: Banned Together | Monday 4 May 2026 | 12noon-2pm

      [Edited extract from public address]

      A timely film that pulls back the curtain on two of the most controversial issues in America today – book bans and curriculum censorship in public schools. 

      Follow three students as they fight to reinstate 97 books suddenly pulled from their school libraries. As they evolve from local to national activists, they meet with banned authors, politicians, and the major players protecting the First Amendment of the American Constitution. 

      An explosive story that exposes the powerful forces behind book bans and censorship in the U.S. Features a diverse cast of visionary teenagers, stirring public protests, private threats, criminal charges, and drama-filled school board meetings.

      Banned Together (2025) | Country: USA | Rating: PG

      Two sessions available, other session Emerald Hill Library | Wednesday 6 May 2026 | 11am-1pm
        • Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
        • Cost: Free
        • Bookings: online via Trybooking

        MORE:

        Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
        City of Port Phillip
        Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia
        Telephone: 03 9209 6655

        City of Port Phillip Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. ​We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

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        CoPP | PPLS | SCREENING | Film Club: Focus on World Cinema – Flow | Tuesday 5 May 2026 | 6-8pm

        [Edited extract from public address]

        Join Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS) for our new monthly Film Club where we focus on cinema from across the globe. 

        For May we are screening the incredible 2024 film, Flow. The world seems to be coming to an end, teeming with the vestiges of a human presence. Cat is a solitary animal, but as his home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species and will have to team up with them despite their differences. In the lonesome boat sailing through mystical overflowed landscapes, they navigate the challenges and dangers of adapting to this new world.

        Winner of the 2025 Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film.
        Rotten Tomatoes: 97% IMDB: 7.8

        Flow (2024) | Directed by: Gints Zilbalodis | Country: Latvia, France, Belguim (No dialogue)
        Rating: G
        • Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda Victoria 3182
        • Cost: Free
        • Bookings: online via Trybooking

        MORE:

        Port Phillip Library Service (PPLS)
        City of Port Phillip
        Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 Australia
        Telephone: 03 9209 6655

        City of Port Phillip Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. ​We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.

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        AUST | NJP | WEBINAR | Alternative First Responders Campaign: Action Webinar | Thursday 28 May 2026 11am-1.30pm AEST

        [Edited extract from public address]

        Join National Justice Project (NJP) 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.

        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.

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        AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | April 2026

        [Edited extract from public address]

        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.

        HIGHLIGHTING | In the Media


        JOGGING | 4 Justice


        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.

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        AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | April 2026

        [Edited extract from public address]

        What does Health Justice actually mean?  

        Health Justice means being able to walk into any hospital or clinic and know you will be treated with respect and receive the care you need, without fear of racism, bias or stereotyping.

        But across Australia, First Nations people are still being denied safe healthcare, with laws, policies and structures that disempower communities from accessing health services. For families who experience these barriers, the consequences can be devastating.

        Achieving Health Justice means dismantling these barriers to make sure care is safe for everyone.

        Following World Health Day this week, National Justice Project (NJP) explores what Health Justice means and how it impacts First Nations women, families, and communities.
         

        TALKING | With Professor Juanita Sherwood on building evidence with community

        We spoke to Aboriginal Elder Professor Juanita Sherwood, a registered nurse, researcher at Jumbunna Research, and Vice-Chair Director of Waminda. With over three decades of experience, Professor Juanita has spent her career building evidence with communities to create solutions that strengthen First Nations health and wellbeing. She tells us why this work is crucial:
        “I have been fortunate to be able to work with our First Nations Communities across Australia in urban, rural and remote settings over the last 30 years. These experiences have been both breathtaking and grounding, reminding me of the multiple strengths of our Peoples across Australia. Building evidence through research our way has established some vital solutions to contexts for community and their organisations that make a significant difference to their circumstances and the wellbeing of their Communities.

        “The context of strength-based strategies grown in our communities in response to ongoing colonial injustices and injury are the strengths our people wish to share. Through research focused on our circumstances and strategies for improving our outcomes, using our ways of knowing, being and doing require funding based upon community research. Research is a tool for building our evidence, and telling our stories, and exploring ways forward that work for us. This is the work I am gifted to undertake and become inspired so often by the way our people care about our people, to make a difference for all.” 

        SPOTLIGHTING | Birthing on Country program a powerful example of community-led healthcare

        For more than 40 years, Waminda, South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, has been providing culturally safe, holistic healthcare for Aboriginal women and their families.

        Founded in response to the barriers First Nations women face when accessing health services, Waminda’s work shows what care can look like when it is community-led.

        A major study released March 2026 found Waminda’s rural Birthing on Country model led to significantly more normal vaginal births, higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge, and strong engagement with wrap-around wellbeing supports.

        Their Birthing on Country program is a powerful example of health justice in action, supporting Aboriginal women through pregnancy and birth with culturally safe care.

        GATHERING | The Partnership fighting for Health Justice

        “Justice in healthcare means being treated with dignity, it means equity, it means not being targeted or stereotyped or turned away.” – Ariane Dozer, Head of Projects and Innovation
        To achieve Health Justice, we need to work both inside and outside the courtroom.

        Together with our partner organisations in the Partnership for Justice in Health (P4JH), we’re advocating for systemic cultural and policy change to eliminate racism from our health and justice systems.

        The P4JH brings together First Nations health leaders, academics, legal experts, and civil society organisations to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and justice outcomes.
         

        HIGHLIGHTING | More on Health Justice


        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.

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        VIC | REVI | CAMPAIGNING | What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be?

        [Edited extract from public address]

        Encouraging men to reflect on the social pressures that can harm them, and those around them. 

        A violence-free Victoria starts with respect. Give yourself permission to choose.

        We asked ordinary Victorian men what masculinity means to them. This is what they told us... 
        Respect Victoria
        State Government of Victoria
        Address: GPO Box 5487, Melbourne VIC 3001

        Respect Victoria acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.

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        AUST | NJP | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for National Justice Project | February 2026

        [Edited extract from public address]

        REMINDING | UN World Day of Social Justice Friday 20 February 2026 that injustice doesn’t happen in a moment, and neither does justice. 

        For thousands of people, harm unfolds over years. Discrimination goes unchallenged, systems fail repeatedly, and voices are ignored. Making change takes people willing to stand alongside families affected, day after day.

        For more than a decade, the National Justice Project has worked alongside people facing discrimination, using the law as a tool for truth-telling, accountability and systemic change.

        Together, we challenge discrimination, expose systemic harm and ensure Australia lives up to its promise of equality and fairness for all.

        We do not accept government funding, nor do we charge our clients, so regular support matters. Today we’re asking you to stand with people seeking justice in a powerful way. Join the Justice Allies and become a regular donor.


        When you become a regular donor, you help us:
        • Show up consistently with clients on the frontline
        • Respond to impactful and strategic cases that can take years of support
        • Support courageous families seeking truth and accountability
        • Challenge discrimination and work to change the systems that allow injustice.

        Your impact quadrupled
        To mark World Day of Social Justice, any donations until 21 March 2026 will be matched. You can quadruple your impact by inviting a friend to donate too - when both of you give, your combined support goes even further.

        Justice is more powerful when we stand together. All donations until 21 March will be matched thanks to our generous matched giver

        DISCUSSING | Why the climate crisis is one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time

        The Facts: The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue, it’s one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time.  

        This World Day of Social Justice, we’re launching a new series that takes a deeper look at the issues behind our fight for justice and what needs to change, starting with global heating.  

        Australia has already warmed by 1.5°C since 1910, with even small increases in temperature driving more extreme heat, storms, droughts, and floods.

        The people least responsible for causing the climate crisis are often the hardest hit, with First Nations communities facing devastating impacts to land, water, and food systems, as well as deep cultural losses tied to Country.

        People with disability face higher risks during climate disasters, as well as children and young people, who often face reduced access to basic needs such as food and safety.
        Without meaningful government action and accountability falling short, urgent change is needed to protect communities from further devastation.

        SYDNEY | NJP | GATHERING | LawHack 2026 | 26 March 2026

        On 26 March, the National Justice Project will be co-hosting it's third LawHack in Sydney with the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research.

        LawHack 2026 brings together teams of legal professionals who will be asked to develop a strategic legal strategy to advance climate justice and pitch it to a panel of experts.

        Through LawHack, we are laying the groundwork for climate justice work that holds governments and corporations to account and centres the leadership and lived experience of affected communities.


        HAVING | Q&A with Principal Solicitor Ashleigh Buckett

        Q: Why is the climate crisis a human rights issue?
        A: "The climate crisis impacts the most basic rights people need to live safely and with dignity. Extreme heat, floods, and bushfires put lives at immediate risk, while negative impacts on health, food and water security can be just as dangerous."

        Q: Why is the National Justice Project stepping into climate justice work?
        A: "The communities the National Justice Project serves are being disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. Climate justice work is a natural extension of our mission to fight systemic injustice."

        Q: What’s next for the National Justice Project in the climate justice space?
        A: "LawHack 2026 will be our first major project in this space. It brings together teams of legal professionals to develop strategies to support climate justice, hold governments and corporations to account."


        HIGHLIGHTING | Climate justice cases and movements in Australia

        • Pabai Pabai Case (2021) - Uncles Pabai Pabai and Guy Paul Kabai, from the Guda Maluyligal Nation, gave evidence that rising seas threaten their homes, culture, identity, and future on Country.
        • SchoolStrike4Climate - part of a global movement of student strikers committed to ending fossil fuel extraction and securing a safe and livable future.  
        • Seed Mob - A youth-led movement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people advocating for social, economic, and environmental justice.
        • Australian Youth Climate Coalition - A national network of young people campaigning for climate solutions and government accountability to address the climate crisis.
         
        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.

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        AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | January 2026

        [Edited extract from public address]
        Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following includes the names of First Nations people who have passed away. This email also includes distressing content.

        The National Justice Project (NJP) acknowledges 26 January as a day to honour the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.

        Invasion Day is a reminder that racism is not a thing of the past, it continues to shape everyday experiences for First Nations people in workplaces, schools, hospitals and public spaces. It’s also reinforced by the governments’ continued refusal to change ‘Australia Day’, despite the pain, violence and dispossession it represents.

        In solidarity with First Peoples, the National Justice Project office will stay open on this day, and many of the team will attend marches and cultural events across the nation.

        If we want a future free from racism, we must unite and Call It Out, online, in real life and within the systems that affect us all.
        • Read our latest blog to find out more on why January 26 matters, and what it means to stand up against racism today.
        As we carry that commitment into 2026, we’ll be sharing a new series, Justice Journal, exploring the issues, cases and campaigns that drive our fight for justice.

        Read more about our latest stories of impact below.

         News and Updates 

        HONOURING | David Dungay Jr with New Annual Scholarship

        A new $5,000 annual scholarship has been established in honour of David Dungay Jr to support Aboriginal health professionals working in the NSW criminal justice system. David died in Long Bay Prison Hospital in 2015 after being restrained by six guards. For nearly a decade, his mother Leetona Dungay has fought for accountability within a system that continues to fail Aboriginal people.

        REPORTING | Racism targeting First Nations children increase

        Following International Day of Education on Saturday 24 January 2026, new data reveals a shocking rise in reports of racist incidents targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. The 2024-25 Call It Out Annual Report shows 26% of reports submitted involved children and young people aged 0–19. This is a 10-point increase from last year.  

        SPOTLIGHTING | Inquest into death of 10-year-old First Nations boy

        An inquest into the death of a 10-year-old boy who was under the care of the WA Department of Communities opened in December at Perth Coroner’s Court. The young boy, who cannot be named, died on 12 April 2024 in Perth while living with a relative. The National Justice Project is representing the child’s parents throughout the inquest process as they seek answers.

        MARKING | 10 years of the National Justice Project

        We are marking ten years of the National Justice Project with our newly released Impact Report 2015-2025. This reflects a decade of work securing accountability, driving systemic reform and standing alongside people who have been harmed and ignored.

        PUBLISHING | Human rights report calls for Alternative First Responders

        The newly released Alternative First Responders Human Rights Report exposes where Australia’s emergency response systems are falling short and why community-based alternatives are urgently needed.

        HIGHLIGHTING | In the Media


        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.

        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.

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        AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | December 2025

        [Edited extract from public address]

        As we reach the end of a brutal year, I would like to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for ongoing support of Donors.

        I am incredibly moved that despite how challenging life can be, donors still make time to stand with us in defending human rights and fighting for justice.

        Not only have donors partnered with us in 2025, but many of you have been involved for much longer. Some of you have been backing us since our first day back in December 2015.

        We are truly grateful for donors' ongoing commitment. I want to demonstrate to you how much your support matters by sharing the first look at our 10-year (2015–2025) Impact Report.
         

        Impact report

        Together, we have called out systemic discrimination and spoken bold truth to power.

        Through strategic thinking and innovation, our work has achieved life-saving policy and law reform, secured a historic parliamentary apology, overturned harmful government practices, reformed healthcare and policing systems, and secured life-changing compensation for hundreds of people.

        Beyond this, we have led a national campaign for more compassionate responses to crises, launched world-first justice technology, and helped train the next generation of social justice leaders.

        Some of our team, with the help of production company GUILTY, have reflected on what 10 years of the National Justice Project means to them.

        Because of donors, 2025 has been one of the most impactful years in our organisation's 10-year history.

        A huge thank you to everyone who supported our ‘10 Days of Human Rights’ end-of-year campaign – if you haven’t had the chance yet, it’s not too late to support.

        Donors can still make a gift and help the fight for justice.

        Every contribution, big or small, allows us to remain independent and increase our crucial work, supporting people who have been harmed and ignored for too long, and dismantling barriers to justice.
         
        We wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with love and cherished moments. Rest well. Hold your family close. And know that we will keep fighting to create a fairer, more just society together with you.

        The National Justice Project team will be taking a break from 19 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. We look forward to another year of impact in 2026.

        With sincere gratitude,
        George Newhouse (CEO)

        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.

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        BRISBANE | THSE | GATHERING | National Justice Forum | Tuesday 2-Friday 5 December 2025

        [Edited extract from public address]

        Breaking the cycle of incarceration via systemic reforms, cross-sector collaboration and lifelong support

        Third Sector (THSE)’s 4th National Justice Forum is your essential platform for tackling the drivers of incarceration through bold systemic reforms, powerful cross-sector partnerships, and targeted, practical interventions. This dynamic program puts cultural safety, lived experience leadership, and community-led solutions at its core, moving beyond talk to real, lasting change.

        Through inspiring keynotes, practical workshops, and meaningful networking, you’ll gain the strategies, partnerships, and insights you need to deliver more effective, equitable, and culturally safe justice responses for every community. 

        MORE:

        Third Sector (THSE)
        Level 11, 155 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
        Tel: 02 9247 6000 or 02 9247 6333

        Third Sector acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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        AUST | NJP | UPDATING | Community News | November 2025

        [Edited extract from public address]
        Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following includes the names of First Nations people who have passed away.

        This year, we’re celebrating 10 years of the National Justice Project. For a decade, justice has been at the heart of everything we do.  

        Through their courage and lived experience, the people at the centre of our work have shown how First Nations people, refugees, and asylum seekers are too often denied the care and dignity that everyone deserves. Their stories demand action, and in our 10th year, we’re more determined than ever to fight for systemic change.

        One way we’re doing this is through the Call It Out First Nations Racism Register. Developed with Jumbunna Research, it provides a safe space for First Nations people to share their experiences of racism, hold perpetrators to account, and empower bystanders to act. Next week, you’re invited to the launch of the Call It Out 2024–25 Annual Report, featuring fearless, heartbreaking and motivating stories of racism, along with practical insights into how we can all take action.

        We’re also excited to announce the expansion of our AI-powered complaints platform, Hear Me Out, now available in Victoria and NSW. This free, secure tool helps people take the next step toward justice, guiding them on where and how to make a complaint, and helping draft and lodge it safely.

        By breaking down barriers to justice, we’re helping more people to be heard and drive real accountability.

        As we mark our 10th year, keep an eye out for our Human Rights Day campaign this December - a powerful call to action to help us continue holding systems of power to account.

        LAUNCHING | Hear Me Out in Victoria

        We’re proud to launch Hear Me Out in Victoria, complete with a brand-new Complaint Writing Tool. The AI-powered complaints tool now helps users navigate the 100+ Federal, NSW and Vic complaint bodies - providing plain-language guidance, drafting complaints and cutting through confusion.

        REPORTING | National Justice Project leads global discussion on AI and justice at the UN

        Our CEO George Newhouse and Principal Solicitor Ashleigh Buckett attended a United Nations Strategic Litigation conference in Bangkok. Here, George showcased a groundbreaking AI platform, the Justice Matrix, which is set to transform access to justice and help close the global justice gap.

        REPORTING | It’s time to put care at the centre of crisis response

        Lorena Allam, from the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at UTS, highlighted the devastating consequences of police-led responses and the urgent need for alternative first responder programs that prioritise care over force.

        LAUNCHING | Call It Out report

        The Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research and the National Justice Project will launch the latest Call It Out Annual Report 2024-25. Call It Out provides a safe space for First Nations people to share their experiences and allows bystanders to take action. Join us on 27 November to hear the fearless and motivating accounts of racism.

        GATHERING | Join us at the National Justice Forum 2025 and get 20% off

        The National Justice Project supports the National Justice Forum 2025 on 2-5 December 2025 in Brisbane. Join 200+ sector leaders and join the National Justice Project’s Ariane Dozer, Head of Projects and Innovation for a discussion on Alternative First Responders. Use code NJP20 to receive 20% off tickets.

        PUBLISHING | New blog: Building an ecosystem of care


        Despite the clear need for compassionate responses to mental health distress, our current system relies heavily on police as first responders. During our recent Alternative First Responders Symposium, we spoke with fierce advocate Judy Deacon and CEO of BEING Giancarlo De Vera, about the work happening to push for alternatives focused on care.

        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:


        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.

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