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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Good house, good clinic and being able to buy a feed

Mick Dodson, the former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner said in his First Report that "A decent standard of health and a life expectancy equivalent to others is an entitlement. Social justice is not primarily a matter of the relief of suffering. It is a matter of the fulfilment of a responsibility. To draw this distinction is not to deny that the facts by themselves speak out for a remedy. Nor is it to deny that compassion is a proper response. But compassion is an insufficient foundation for the delivery of rights".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Remote employment and participation for Indigenous peoples (2018)

Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the Discussion Paper: Remote Employment and Participation   Introduction The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission)1 welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in relation to...

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Input to the development of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy

Letter from June Oscar and Anne Hollonds on input to the development of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Fourth Edition of Indigenous Legal Issues: Commentary and Materials

I would like to acknowledge the Gadigal People, the traditional owners and custodians of the Eora Nation and pay my respects to their elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Indigenous Home Ownership Panel Discussion

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Arrernte people – the traditional owners of the land we are meeting on today and by paying my respects to their ancestors.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Forum: Tom Calma (2006)

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Gadigal peoples of the Eora nation, the traditional owners and custodians of the land where we are gathered today, and pay my respects to their elders and to the ancestors. I would also like to acknowledge:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

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I call my paper 'Social Justice Then Native Title' in order to make a clear distinction between two aspects of Indigenous People's struggle; the ultimate goals we are seeking to achieve and the means by which we seek to achieve them. Distinguishing the means and the ends, the former a servant of the latter, is a fundamental tenet of strategic thinking. And it is clear to me that a strategic approach will identify native title as simply a tool for achieving social justice for Indigenous people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

An Indigenous home for Indigenous children

To all of you who work with and for Indigenous children and families - my deepest congratulations. Many of you have spent years decrying the treatment of Indigenous children.You have written and spoken, cajoled and attempted to convince and then lobbied some more - just trying to get the people of this country to open their eyes. Your energy has been boundless. Your patience infinite.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

2009 Speech: Bilingual Education

Good morning friends, supporters, Dr’s Peter Toyne and Lester-Irabinna Rigney and distinguished guests. I would also like to acknowledge my Indigenous sisters and brothers who have travelled here to be with us and to share your experiences and stories.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

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Thank you Sharron for your introduction, and thank you Uncle Lewis O’Brien for your warm welcome to country. And congratulations to the Taikurtinna Dancers for a great performance and oration.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

WA Law Reform Commission Report into Aboriginal Customary Laws

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Noongar people on whose land we are today and pay my respects to their elders. The recent recognition of the Noongar as traditional owners of this land sets a significant context for the launch of the Western Australian Law Reform Commission Report on Aboriginal Customary Laws. The recognition of Noongar native title through Australian law is the most powerful confirmation possible that as a society they possessed, and continue to possess, well-developed systems of law and custom.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

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It is now more than 5 years since the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission completed its national inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families with the publication of Bringing them home.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Building co-existence: Dodson

Under clear blue skies on a warm afternoon, Yankunytjatjara members of Anangu Pitjantjatjara peoples are sitting in the shade of large gum trees on the banks of a broad, dry creek bed. They have come from far and wide to be at this important meeting. There is a good turn up, despite a number of people having to attend to other responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Inquiry into constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

This statement is made by every Aboriginal person to hold the office of Social Justice Commissioner over a 25 year period.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Maximising opportunities in a new era of Indigenous affairs

I’d like to begin by acknowledging that we are on Gadigal country and I pay my respects to Elders past and present. Thank you Allen for your welcome to country as well.