NATSILS MEDIA RELEASE
UN calls out Australia for racial discrimination while PM
missing in action
8 May 2026
NATSILS-2605-MR-UN-alarm-over-racism-080526.pdf
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has handed down
a scathing statement on the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children in Australia’s so-called criminal justice system.
The Committee warned the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the criminal legal
system in Australia “reflects systemic and structural racial discrimination against Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
The Committee noted deep and grave concerns that multiple Australian states and territories
enforce a lower minimum age of criminal responsibility than the threshold under international
human rights law; that children are being held in solitary confinement and fitted with spit
hoods; and that Australian children are subject to harsh adult penalties, including life
imprisonment.
Nerita Waight, Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services
(NATSILS), says that evidence and condemnation are mounting against Australia’s harmful
child incarceration policies.
“This is yet another warning flare to the Prime Minister that Australia is heading down a
dangerous path. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are being sacrificed so that
state and territory governments can score political points,” Ms Waight said.
“The Federal Government has the legal authority and the moral obligation to enforce our
national human rights obligations, including raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 in
line with international standards.
“The world watchdog for racial discrimination is calling Australia out for its blatant disregard
for children’s rights and its persistent racism. This is shameful. The Prime Minister cannot
ignore this. In years to come, he can’t say he didn’t know.
“We are urging the Prime Minister to call an emergency summit on youth justice. We are
waiting and the world is watching,” Ms Waight said.
Media contact: Catalina Casar, 0421 547 759, catalina.casar@essentialmedia.com.au
The statement from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination can be
found at:
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%
2FCERD%2FSWA%2FAUS%2F11498&Lang=en
Celebrating Torres Strait Islander Flag Day! 💙💚🖤
Designed in 1992 by the late Bernard Namok Senior of Thursday Island, the flag was formally acknowledged as an official “Flag of Australia” by the Australian Government in 1995. It stands as a powerful symbol of unity and connection to Country.
What the colors and symbols of the flag represent?
🟩 Green – Represents the land and its deep connection to the people.
🟦 Blue – Represents the surrounding seas that give life and sustenance.
⬛ Black – Represents the proud Torres Strait Islander people themselves.
⬜ White Dhari (Headdress) – A symbol of peace, leadership, and distinct cultural identity.
⭐ Five-pointed star – Represents the five major island groups (Western, Eastern, Central, Port Kennedy, and Northern) and pays tribute to seafaring ancestors and traditional navigation.
#TorresStraitIslanderFlagDay #Culture #Pride #Identity #ATSILS #FirstNations #TorresStrait #Unity
NATSILS MEDIA RELEASE – UN calls out Australia for racial discrimination while PM missing in action
NATSILS MEDIA RELEASE
UN calls out Australia for racial discrimination while PM
missing in action
8 May 2026
NATSILS-2605-MR-UN-alarm-over-racism-080526.pdf
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has handed down
a scathing statement on the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children in Australia’s so-called criminal justice system.
The Committee warned the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the criminal legal
system in Australia “reflects systemic and structural racial discrimination against Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
The Committee noted deep and grave concerns that multiple Australian states and territories
enforce a lower minimum age of criminal responsibility than the threshold under international
human rights law; that children are being held in solitary confinement and fitted with spit
hoods; and that Australian children are subject to harsh adult penalties, including life
imprisonment.
Nerita Waight, Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services
(NATSILS), says that evidence and condemnation are mounting against Australia’s harmful
child incarceration policies.
“This is yet another warning flare to the Prime Minister that Australia is heading down a
dangerous path. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are being sacrificed so that
state and territory governments can score political points,” Ms Waight said.
“The Federal Government has the legal authority and the moral obligation to enforce our
national human rights obligations, including raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 in
line with international standards.
“The world watchdog for racial discrimination is calling Australia out for its blatant disregard
for children’s rights and its persistent racism. This is shameful. The Prime Minister cannot
ignore this. In years to come, he can’t say he didn’t know.
“We are urging the Prime Minister to call an emergency summit on youth justice. We are
waiting and the world is watching,” Ms Waight said.
Media contact: Catalina Casar, 0421 547 759, catalina.casar@essentialmedia.com.au
The statement from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination can be
found at:
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%
2FCERD%2FSWA%2FAUS%2F11498&Lang=en
ATSILS Civil Outreach Legal Clinics – Far North Queensland 2026
Open Letter to PM Anthony Albanese – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Incarceration Rates.
Right now, there are more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison than ever before.
From coast to coast across our lands, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are being criminalised and imprisoned at alarming rates.
This is happening because state and territory governments are more concerned with political point-scoring than evidence-based reforms.
That is why more than 200 organisations and leaders have come together to urge the Prime Minister to show national leadership.
We are calling for a national emergency summit on youth justice, so that key decision makers in government can listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal experts and leaders in a setting where community-controlled organisations lead the discussion.
Will you sign the open letter to add your voice?
📢 Important Service Update: South Burnett & Surrounds Flooding
Due to local road and bridge closures impacting the Bundaberg CBD, some of our staff are currently unable to access the office. However, we are still here to support you.
🕒 Current Service Status:
Court Services: We are continuing to provide Court services today.
Bundaberg Office: While physical access is limited, our team is monitoring phones and emails remotely.
Statewide Support: Our broader statewide team will also step in to assist with calls where required to help ensure support is available during this time.
📞 How to Reach Us:
For all legal matters or urgent assistance, please contact our statewide team toll-free 24/7:
👉 1800 012 255
Please stay safe, follow the advice of local authorities, and avoid travel through floodwaters.
#Bundaberg #SouthBurnett #FloodAlert #CommunitySupport #LegalAssistance
Workplace Gender Equality Authority Employer Statement - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd
WORKPLACE GENDER EQUALITY AUTHORITY (WGEA) EMPLOYER STATEMENT 2026
ATSILS is committed to continuing to foster a culture of gender equality. We provide equal opportunities, fair treatment, and an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender. By promoting diversity and reducing any gender biases, we aim to create a workplace where everyone can excel and contribute to our collective success.
ATSIILS actively monitors and reviews workforce composition, remuneration, leadership representation, flexible work arrangements, and employment conditions regardless of gender.
We are focused on:
Our commitment and focus are embedded into our relevant policies, practises, and decision-making processes.
Workplace Gender Equality Authority Employer Statement – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd
Community Legal Education (CLE) delivered to COOEE Elders
The session focused on the essential pillars of future planning:
It was an engaging session filled with robust discussion. The Elders’ interest and thoughtful questions highlighted the critical importance of proactive legal planning and ensuring one’s affairs are in order.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Aunty Margie and the COOEE Elders team for their invaluable partnership in coordinating this visit.
Education is at the heart of empowerment. ATSILS remains committed to providing accessible legal support to the community. We offer free and confidential services for these matters. If you or your community or organisation would like to learn more, please reach out to our team.
#AccessToJustice #CommunityLegalEducation #ATSILS
Advocating for Change: Our Voice in the Justice System 🏛️⚖️
New CLE Resource – Expanded Police Wanding Powers (Jack’s Law) ⚖️
Helping Mob Navigate Expanded Police Wanding Powers (Jack’s Law) ⚖️
Community safety is important, but so are your rights. ✊🏾
With the introduction of Jack’s Law, police powers in Queensland have expanded. Police can now use handheld metal detection wands to search for weapons in certain public areas without a warrant or “reasonable suspicion.”
These expanded powers can have a disproportionate impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. To support community, ATSILS has developed a new legal education resource to help Mob stay informed.
This video is designed to provide clear, practical guidance to community on:
📍 Where these searches happen (like transport hubs & night precincts).
✋ Your rights when being stopped for a scan.
✅ Your responsibilities during the process to keep things calm.
📺Watch the video to learn how to navigate these interactions safely.
Need Legal Support?
If you or someone you know has been charged, or if you believe you have experienced unfair treatment or discrimination during a police wanding process, we encourage you to reach out for professional legal advice.
📞 ATSILS 24/7 Free Call: 1800 012 255
Animation produced by Punchy Studio
Submission 2026 Commonwealth Consultation – First Nations Education Policy
View our latest submission re: First Nations Education Policy Discussion Paper Consultation
Linked here: Submission-2026-Commonwealth-Consultation-First-Nations-Education-Policy-Upload-Version.pdf
For a list of all our latest legal submissions, please visit: Submissions – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (QLD) Ltd