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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders peoples

Commission celebrates official launch of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute

Content type: Media Release
Published:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO has launched a dedicated Institute to elevate the voices and solutions of First Nations women and girls – the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations gender justice.

The Australian-first Institute, housed at the Australian National University (ANU) on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, ensures the continuation of Commissioner Oscar’s groundbreaking systemic change ‘Women’s Voices’ project. 

Children’s commissioners and guardians unite in opposing NT legislation

Content type: Media Release
Published:

All fourteen Australian and New Zealand Children’s Commissioners and Guardians (ANZCCG) have united in opposing new legislation introduced by the Northern Territory Government, which proposes to alter the NT’s Youth Justice Act and Bail Act.



The commissioners and guardians wrote to NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner at the end of March expressing their concerns about the legislation and asking him to reconsider his approach. They have not received a reply.



Learning from crisis

Six weeks ago I returned to my traditional homeland near Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia. Thanks to modern technology, I am working remotely and continuing my duties as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.

Like many Aboriginal people, I chose to return to Country because COVID-19 travel restrictions made homeland communities the safest place to see out the pandemic. As a mature Aboriginal woman, I am statistically at greater risk from COVID-19. It was important to follow the advice of health experts.

Know your rights: Aboriginal Torres Strait Islanders (2014)

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Indigenous Property Rights

sunset tree

 

Background

In May 2015, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and the then Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson co-convened an Indigenous Leaders Roundtable on economic development and property rights on Yawuru country in Broome, Western Australia (Broome Roundtable).

"Our future in our hands"

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Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Knowledge Conference

 

I begin by paying my respects to the Mouhenenner people, the traditional owners of the land where we gather today.  I pay my respects to your elders, to the ancestors and to those who have come before us.