On August 15, 2024, the national report of the Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children was tabled in the Australian Parliament. This inquiry marks an essential first step in bringing the devastating realities of violence facing First Nations women and children to the forefront of national attention.
Djirra, alongside other advocates, was pleased that the Inquiry extended its hearings into Victoria, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Victorian First Nations women were heard. However, while the Inquiry's conclusions are a step in the right direction, much more is needed. The recommendations could have been bolder, focusing on the urgent, practical actions necessary to protect First Nations women and children.
The message is clear: Our women and children are not safe.
Over two years, 87 written submissions were made, and countless hours of testimony were given by First Nations people and family violence experts across Australia. Many shared stories of heartache, loss, and failure by the systems meant to protect them. Our people spoke their truths.
"Truth is uncomfortable. It can be painful. But it must be spoken, written down, and heard. And governments must act upon it," says Djirra CEO and Change the Record Co-Chair Antoinette Braybrook AM. "You cannot un-hear us now. We are watching, and we will continue to demand change."
Data Gaps and the Need for Self-Determined Solutions
One of the most critical gaps in the report's recommendations is the lack of action addressing the massive data deficiencies that shape policy and lawmaking. There is no accurate data on the number of Aboriginal women and children who have been murdered or disappeared across Australia. Closing the Gap data, intended to show progress in reducing violence, is over six years out of date. You cannot manage what you don’t measure.
When our experiences are "counted," they are often viewed through a deficit lens that fails to capture the strength, resilience, and courage of Aboriginal women. Change the Record, Djirra and other First Nations-led organisations must be resourced to collect, analyse, and evaluate our data. Our self-determined solutions must guide government policies and investments.
Investing in Frontline Services, Not Policing
We are pleased to see a specific recommendation for the Federal Government to act on the Independent Review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership and allocate more funding for frontline Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services. Additionally, there is a recommendation for sustainable, ongoing investment in Aboriginal-led support services for women and children experiencing domestic, family, and sexual violence.
The lack of services, especially in regional and remote areas, is a significant issue. No Aboriginal woman should have to travel over an hour or 100km to access the legal and non-legal support she and her children need for their safety.
"Investing even more public money into policing is not the answer," says Antoinette Braybrook. "The only solution is investing in specialist, Aboriginal-led services like Djirra that our women trust to put their safety first."
Policing Must Change
In every jurisdiction, police are failing our women. When an Aboriginal woman is reported missing or deceased, police responses are often inadequate, reflecting a deep-seated bias against our community.
Djirra has called for an independent mechanism, led by First Nations women, to hold police accountable. "Police culture must change," says Antoinette. "They must treat every report of violence against a First Nations woman or child seriously and properly investigate. This must include apparent suicides, accidents, and overdoses where there is a history of family violence."
Pouring more resources into punitive and racist systems is not the answer. Independent oversight led by Aboriginal women can help improve police accountability, but this must be done within existing police budgets so that funds are not diverted from critical frontline services.
Conclusion
The Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children has shone a light on a national crisis. But this light must lead to action. Governments must move beyond words and reports and commit to real, bipartisan change that prioritises the safety of First Nations women and children.
The time for change is now. We will not let this report gather dust.