Library Guides: Indigenous Australian Studies: Media, government and legal

Media

Media resources

Media and First Nations peoples

Aboriginal health and the mainstream news media: A toolkit for journalists (PDF)
Health workers in Australia maintain that our media contributes to the poor health and well-being of First Nations peoples. Read this handbook for information on reporting on health topics, working with First Nations peoples, involving Elders and following cultural protocols.
Media monitoring: Racism and social commentary in Australian mainstream media
The media is often the only exposure audiences have with people of different racial identities, and this research conducted between 2017 and 2021 shows that not all Australians are equitably represented in mainstream media platforms. Download and read the research report from this web-page.
Reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and issues
From Media Diversity Australia, this detailed handbook has been created to assist newsrooms covering First Nations affairs. This link also contains a quick guide designed to support media professionals with helpful tips and a best practice checklist.

Government agencies and resources

ACT Government - Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Provides news and publications, plus information on culture and issues affecting First Nations peoples living in the ACT.
Closing the Gap - Government implementation plans
Check out the implementation plans of each party to the National Closing the Gap Agreement. These plans have been developed and will be delivered in partnership with First Nations partners.
Indigenous.gov.au
This website connects First Nations peoples with Australian Government policies and programs and raise awareness about the initiatives that affect them most. News, events, and stories are shared from individuals, communities and organisations.
National Indigenous Australians Agency
Work closely with communities to make sure policies, programs and services address these unique needs. They support the Minister for Indigenous Australians.
Northern Territory- Office of Aboriginal Affairs
Whole-of-government strategic advice and coordination of First Nations affairs at a local and national level. Working in partnership with First Nations peoples and communities.
NSW Office of Communities: Aboriginal Affairs
The NSW government agency with the primary responsibility for providing advice to government on matters effecting First Nations peoples and communities in NSW.
Queensland Government - Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs
Provides reports, programs, protocols, practices, useful links, and contacts relevant to First Nations peoples in Queensland.
Tasmanian Government - Office of Aboriginal Affairs
In consultation with Tasmania's First Nations populations, the OAA advises Government on policy issues affecting the First Nations community in Tasmania.
Victoria Government - First Peoples - State Relations
In partnership with First Nations communities, advises Government on First Nations policy and planning, and delivers key programs.
Western Australia Government - Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage
A range of community, business, and government information relating to First Nations affairs.

Legal resources

Aboriginal Customary Laws
The Australian Law Reform Commission is a federal agency that reviews Australia’s laws to ensure they provide improved access to justice for all Australians.
Australian Human Rights Commission: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
The Australian Human Rights Commission advocates for the rights of First Nations peoples and works to promote respect and understanding of these rights among the community.
Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse
Designed to promote discussion and disseminate relevant First Nations justice information to government policy makers and those working in the area of justice for First Nations peoples.
Indigenous Law Centre: UNSW Faculty of Law
The Indigenous Law Centre was established in 1981 to develop and coordinate research, teaching and information services in area of First Nations peoples and the law.
National Native Title Tribunal
The National Native Title Tribunal is an independent administrative agency providing information on native title.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
This declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous peoples. The Declaration is particularly significant because Indigenous peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, were involved in its drafting.
Yoorrook Justice Commission
This Commission is the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations peoples in Victoria, and will look into both past and ongoing injustices in all areas of life since colonisation.

Statistics

Continuing impacts of colonisation

Historical government policies continue to impact First Nations peoples across Australia. Discover more about the continuing effects of some of these policies:

Aborigines Protection Act
In 1915 the NSW Government gained power to remove First Nations children from families at any time, for any reason. Read about the disastrous consequences of this policy that continue to affect First Nations communities today.
Bringing them home: Stories of the Stolen Generations
Read through stories shared by First Nations peoples with the National Inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. Use the interactive map to learn about the places to which stolen children were removed.
Government policy in relation to Aboriginal people
This article by Anita Heiss examines the history and effects of the Australian Government policies of protection, assimilation, self-determination and reconciliation. It also looks at the NSW Land Rights Act 1983, and the important changes it helped create.