MURDERED AND MISSING FIRST NATIONS WOMEN
Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children: What’s Next?
After two years of compelling testimony and 87 submissions, the Senate inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women and children concluded in August 2024. Hearings across NSW, Victoria, ACT, NT, and WA revealed heartbreaking stories from families and advocates, sharing the tragic loss of loved ones—some as young as four years old.
The disturbing reality
First Nations women are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-Indigenous women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 20% of Australia’s homicide victims, despite being just 3.8% of the population. The inquiry revealed shocking police indifference toward First Nations women and children, with many cases dismissed or mishandled.
Policing must change
In every jurisdiction in this country, police are turning our women away. Closing the Gap data is now over 6 years out of date – this is unacceptable. "When our families report that an Aboriginal woman has died or is missing, police responses are
often inadequate, essentially our lives are not valued, and we are not believed." says Antoinette Braybrook, Co-Chair of Change the Record.
The fight continues
Many including Dr. Amy McQuire and Greens Senator Dorinda Cox, remain sceptical about real change. "Aboriginal women have been speaking on this for a very long time and have never been listened to," McQuire states. Cox, who initiated the inquiry, expressed disappointment in the final recommendations, which she believes do not go far enough to address the national emergency of violence against First Nations women and children.
The report made 10 recommendations, including:
● A review of police practices by 2025
● Culturally appropriate recognition for murdered and disappeared First Nations women and children
● Long-term funding for First Nations women’s legal services
● A call for the media to change how they portray First Nations victims
But for families who have lost loved ones, these recommendations feel insufficient. Noongar woman Alison Bairnsfather-Scott, who submitted evidence about her sister Jessica’s murder, expressed deep disappointment: "It’s quite heartbreaking to see this as the result after opening your heart and reliving those traumatic times."
What's next?
Join the movement to demand justice for First Nations women and children. We cannot afford to let these stories be ignored.
Stay updated: Sign up for our newsletter to follow the progress of this campaign and learn how you can help advocate for a Royal Commission and real change.
Together, we can push for the systemic changes needed to ensure no more families suffer in silence.