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First Nations peoples rights

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as our First Peoples and uphold your culture, history, diversity and deep connection to the land. We recognise the harm caused by race discrimination and vilification.

 

It is against the law to treat you unfairly or bully you because you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. In Victoria our First Nations peoples also have special cultural rights under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

An Aboriginal woman laughs with her grandson in a kitchen.

Topics

Race discrimination

Racial and religious vilification

Recruitment and designated roles

Right to protection of cultural rights

Right to protection of families and children

Right to recognition and equality before the law

Spent conviction

Stories

Ash and Tai's story

"As we were leaving, the security guard deliberately singled Ash and Tai out for a bag search. He wasn’t stopping anyone else, and I just knew that the only reason he stopped them was because they’re Aboriginal."

Brenda's story

‘It’s been so difficult for me to find the right home for me and my kids. To be told I was not able to rent this home because I am a single mum was a huge blow.’

Kirra's story

‘He made me feel so uncomfortable at work. I was so happy with my job but not long after he grabbed me, I had to quit.’

Leah's story

‘I love playing netball but as soon as I realised the boos and comments only happened when I had the ball, I just didn’t want to play anymore.’

Miriam's story

"I was put on a ‘compulsory treatment order’. It meant the hospital could give me whatever treatment they wanted, even if I didn’t want it. But even when you’re on getting treatment like that, you still have rights."

Trevor's story

‘The taxi driver looked at me through the window and said he would only take my job if I paid him upfront.’

Make a complaint

Make a complaint or report

You can request to speak to a First Nations staff member. All our staff are specifically trained to support First Nations peoples.

Read more

Our services for First Nations peoples

If you (or someone you know) have experienced discrimination, harassment, or racial vilification, you have the right to speak up and be heard.

Find out more about our services

Our work and connections with First Nations peoples

Our work on First Nations rights

We promote self-determination in our advocacy and law reform work, including legal interventions and policy submissions.

Find out more about our work

Aboriginal Community Engagement Strategy

Our strategy shapes our work and connections with the First Nations community. It lays the foundation as we further improve how we engage and deliver services to First Nations peoples.

Read our strategy

Aboriginal Community Partnership Principles

These principles ensure our work is led and informed by First Nations voices and perspectives. This includes embedding self-determination in our work, creating meaningful partnership and consultation on issues that matter.

Read our principles

Key stats

47,787

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria.

2016 Census

65%

of children between 10 – 13 in prison in Australia are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Making transfer applications to the Koori court – a resource for lawyers and advocates

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Address
Level 3, 204 Lygon Street Carlton Victoria 3053

General enquiries
enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au

Reception
1300 891 848

Enquiry line
1300 292 153 or (03) 9032 3583

Interpreters
1300 152 494

NRS Voice Relay
1300 555 727 then use 1300 292 153

Media enquiries
0447 526 642

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission acknowledge we work on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We also work remotely and serve communities on the lands of other Traditional Custodians.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.