NAAJA calls for NT Government to develop anti-racism strategy, laws against hate speech

THE Northern Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is calling for the NT Government to develop an anti-racism strategy and introduce anti-vilification laws to stop racist hate speech, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests.

More than a thousand people marched at Darwin’s Black Lives Matter rally on June 13, 2020. The Northern Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is calling for the NT Government to develop an anti-racism strategy and introduce anti-vilification laws to stop racist hate speech, in the wake of similar protests across Australia and around the world. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE Northern Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is calling for the NT Government to develop an anti-racism strategy and introduce anti-vilification laws to stop racist hate speech, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests.

NAAJA chief executive Priscilla Atkins said the recent unrest around the world following the death of black American man George Floyd had brought existing issues about race, including in Australia, to a head.

“It’s really highlighting those existing issues and racism throughout Australia has been there since the beginning,” Ms Atkins said.

“This is isn’t a new thing.”

Ms Atkins said NAAJA was calling for governments to introduce compulsory anti-racism frameworks into Territory organisations and schools.

NAAJA chief executive Priscilla Atkins. Picture: Supplied

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“Educating people about what racism is, some people just say things and don’t even realise that it’s racist,” she said.

“Particularly in the NT where there’s a large Aboriginal population, these organisations should have an education program so people understand what a welcome to country is, what a smoking ceremony is.

“It’s really basic stuff and people don’t respect it.”

Ms Atkins also said the government should pass laws to make racist hate speak illegal, and introduce an independent body to investigate allegations of police misconduct.

“We respect the police and we recognise the hard work they do (but) at the end of the day they need to follow the law,” she said.

Attorney-General Natasha Fyles said the Labor Government was committed to making changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act.

“The Territory Labor Government is committed to making changes to modernise the Territory legislation,” she said.

“Additionally, we have already commenced a significant body of work with the Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA).

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“The recommendations that come from this work will shape our policies and plans so future generations of Aboriginal Territorians have a fair and just experience free of racism, with the law and law enforcement.”