CN: Police brutality, racism.Shaye WindsorVolunteer Journalist2 July 2020 The outrage surrounding the deaths of unarmed Black people, like that of Minneapolis man George Floyd, has triggered worldwideaction. Huge numbers of people have been inspired to march across cities across the globe calling for justice for First Nations peoples and against police brutality. In Australia, the huge rallies have a keen …
We have not learned the lessons of the lonely death of Mr Jackamarra
Originally published in the West Australian, republished with permission. Photo caption: Mr Jackamarra’s family: Shaquille Jackamarra , Zarack Teh, Georgette Jackamarra, Lorraine Dodd and Phyllis Teh. Credit: unknown/Nicole Tooby OPINION | Nicole Tooby The police killing of George Floyd in the US has sparked renewed calls and demonstrations in Australia to address Aboriginal deaths in custody. My thoughts have been with the …
An apology from Channel 7 for insensitive use of images of First Nations deceased persons
*Warning: First Nations peoples should be aware that the following contains names and images of people who have passed away* The National Justice Project was proud to assist the family of Stacey Thorne and her unborn baby (may they Rest in Peace) who recently received an apology from Channel 7 for showing images of Stacey’s body and some of her …
A looming threat: Covid-19 in immigration detention
During this time of emergency the NJP is proud to be part of an industry chorus, alongside the Human Rights Law Centre, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Refugee Legal, the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS), the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, calling for refugees to be afforded the same level of consideration as the rest …
NJP COVID-19 Measures
The NJP will be running on skeleton staff in our physical office during this period (with many staff working remotely) which means less staff will be in the office to take phone calls. However, if you can’t get through to a staff member via phone, those who need to get in touch with a member of the NJP team can …
WA Police Officer Charged over Geraldton Shooting
For the first time in nearly 40 years a WA police officer has been charged over the death of an Aboriginal person. Joyce Clarke, a 29 year old Yamatji woman, was fatally shot after her family called triple-0 asking for a welfare check. You can read about the case here https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/20/geraldton-shooting-police-officer-arrested-over-death-of-indigenous-woman The National Justice Project are acting for Joyce’s next …
The NJP advocates to the Productivity Commission for better outcomes for First Nations Peoples
The National Justice Project recently made submissions to the Productivity Commission on their Indigenous Evaluation Strategy, with the assistance of Uncle Phil Duncan and Aunty Sue at Macquarie University’s Walanga Muru and staff and students at Macqurie University’s Social Justice Clinic. The submissions highlighted the need to increase the input of First Nations Peoples into policy processes – particularly when …
The National Justice Project’s Refugee and Asylum Seeker work featured in legal journal “Court of Conscience”
Legal journal “Court of Conscience”, run by the University of NSW, has published an article by National Justice Project (NJP) Senior Solicitor Anna Talbot and Director George Newhouse about the impact of our strategic litigation in the area of refugee human rights. Entitled ‘Strategic Litigation, Offshore Detention and the Medevac Bill’, the article delves into the successful wave of tort-based …
George Newhouse wins ALA 2019 Civil Justice Award
NJP Executive Director George Newhouse was last Friday presented with the award during the ALA’s national conference in Queensland. “George Newhouse is a truly deserving recipient of our annual Civil Justice Award,” said Mr Andrew Christopoulos, National President, ALA. “His work through the National Justice Project gives a voice to people who would otherwise be unable to access legal representation …
The tragedy of Ms Clarke – Systemic changes to police interaction with First Nations Peoples is urgent
In the wake of the WA police’s use of lethal force against 29-year-old Aboriginal mother Joyce Clarke on 17 September 2019, NJP Director George Newhouse travelled to WA for a press conference on 2 October 2019 to highlight questions raised about the police conduct which led to Ms Clarke’s death, and the ongoing issue of Aboriginal people and in particular, Aboriginal women, …