Towards Truth
Recognised for making a significant contribution to truth-telling and public understanding of Australia’s history.
About this finalist
- Year: 2026
- Level: Finalist
- Award category: Law Award
About the 2026 nomination
Towards Truth is a world-first project that shines light on the laws and policies that have shaped the lives of First Peoples in Australia since 1788. A partnership between the Justice and Equity Centre and the UNSW Indigenous Law Centre, it responds to the Uluru Statement from the Heart's call for truth-telling as a foundation for justice.
Towards Truth compels Australians to confront the deliberate, systematic choices that have impacted the human rights of First Peoples.
The website presents legislation, Governors' orders, parliamentary debates, court records and government policies, with analysis in plain language. Starting in NSW, Towards Truth has published over 100 subjects on topics including child removals, criminal systems and policing, frontier wars, and Aboriginal reserves. It catalogues 1,553 laws and policies and 5,032 supporting documents. It also uncovers stories that have rarely been heard, including stories of advocacy and resistance.
Towards Truth supports communities engaged in truth-telling and provides a rich resource for lawyers, judicial officers, policy-makers, teachers and students. The website won the 2024 Australian Web Award for accessible design.
First Peoples lawyers and law students have played a major role in the project. Pro bono lawyers have contributed extensive research.
Towards Truth is both a ground-breaking tool and a powerful act of truth-telling that will change how we understand our nation.
About the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Awards is an inspirational showcase of the best in all of us. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.