Statement on 26 January
26 January is not a day to celebrate.
This day marks invasion, the violent dispossession and attempted erasure of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ sovereignty is inherent and self-existent. Sovereignty was never ceded, and this land always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
As a legal organisation, we acknowledge the role of the colonial legal system in establishing, entrenching, and continuing the oppression and injustice experienced by First Nations peoples.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are leading the resistance to fight laws, policies, and systems that continue to oppress Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know what is best to achieve justice and self-determination. We stand with First Nations people, communities and organisations in the fight for systemic change.
The time is long overdue for governments to listen and act.
Show your support
Learn about some of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services and organisations fighting for justice: