January 26 marks the beginning of invasion and colonisation of Australia by the British, leading to the violent dispossession of land and the continued oppression of First Nations people today.
Colonialism, genocide, violent dispossession, and invasion are never acceptable. These acts must be unequivocally condemned. The ongoing destruction of land and heritage and the systemic oppression of First Nations people demand urgent attention and action.
Invasion Day rallies, held on 26 January, are spaces for truth-telling, resistance, mourning and solidarity.
In New South Wales, many laws, policies, and programs continue to be rooted in colonial concepts, perpetuating oppression and creating barriers to First Nations justice and self-determination. The impact of these systems is devastating:
- Over 580 First Nations people have died in custody since the Royal Commission 33 years ago due to over-policing and wrongful treatment.
- The number of First Nations people in custody in NSW increased by 10.3% between 2023-2024.
- The number of First Nations people refused bail rose by 13% in the same period.
- First Nations young people are imprisoned at unjustifiably higher rates than other young people and currently make up a dreadful record of 66% of all young people in prison.
NSW is one of the last States to commence a Treaty process and while the NSW Government’s Treaty Commissioners are now finally consulting on treaty and agreement-making processes, the Government must also address the critical need for truth and justice processes.
Our Call to Action:
- Stand in Solidarity: Stand with the people of Palestine, the First Nations people of Australia, and all communities who have been the targets of colonialism, genocide, violent dispossession, and invasion.
- Implement Justice-Oriented Alternatives: Institute culturally appropriate alternatives to custodial sentencing that are therapeutic, diversionary, trauma-informed, and rehabilitative.
- Raise the Age: The minimum age of criminal responsibility must be raised to 14. Exposing young people to detention and the criminal justice system has lifelong and community wide harmful impacts while increasing the likelihood that a young person will experience prison again in their lives.
- Establish a Truth and Justice Commission: Establish a Truth and Justice Commission for NSW to work alongside any Treaty process. This Commission must hear evidence of injustice and make actionable recommendations to the Government on remedial measures.
Together, we can demand justice and create a future founded on truth, equality, and self-determination.