Only together - with lament, deep listening, and truth-telling - can we work towards justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At the centre of what justice means in an Australian context is national truth-telling about our history, including the past and present injustices facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
The history of our nation deeply affects the present and our future. We must know our past and the details of our present to navigate and create our future.
Education and truth-telling is key to unlocking understanding, compassion and justice.
To further listen, learn and engage in educational resources, bible studies, or book recommendations about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice, go to our Resources page.
There’s a long story that comes before today. Below you can find a variety of historical moments that help us understand the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and Indigenous assimilation.
As you read the history of The Closing the Gap initiative may you take the steps into the story, the story of injustice in these lands now called Australia, and the need for action.
Bringing Them Home is the Australian Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families.
The Redfern Park Speech was made on 10 December 1992 by Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating at Redfern Park in Redfern, New South Wales. The speech dealt with the challenges faced by Aboriginal Australians.
The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody released their report in 1991, with 339 recommendations. Very few recommendations have been implemented since then and Aboriginal people continue to die in custody every year.
A 2014 call for Treaty by Concerned Australians
The 1975 Racial Discrimination Act promotes equality before the law for all people and makes discrimination unlawful.
In 1988 at the Barunga Festival Prime Minister Bob Hawke was presented with two paintings and text calling for Indigenous rights.
An Act to constitute the Commonwealth of Australia, on the 9th July 1900.
In August 1963 members of the clan groups living in the area of Yirrkala sent these petitions to Parliament.
The Statement from the Heart issued in May 2017
Each year National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.