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Instead, for many First Peoples it can cause harm &#8211; from unfair bail decisions and over-policing to unsafe custody conditions and avoidable deaths.</span></span></p>\n","seoTitle":"Racism in the criminal legal system: standing up for justice","seoDescription":"The criminal legal system should protect people’s rights and safety. 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Instead, for many First Peoples it can cause harm &#8211; from unfair bail decisions and over-policing to unsafe custody conditions and avoidable deaths.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\"> </span></p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this episode of </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Know Your Rights</span></i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Jedda Costa speaks with Flick Chafer-Smith and Ali Besiroglu about the case of Veronica Nelson and the wider patterns it reveals. Veronica’s death, one of over 600 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody since the Royal Commission more than 30 years ago &#8211; exposed failures across policing, bail, prison healthcare and court practice. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\"> </span></p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flick shares the reality of living through the system and the role of community-led programs in supporting change, while Ali sheds light on the deeper historical context, explaining how colonisation, dispossession and the criminalisation of First Nations people created the conditions for the mass incarceration we see today. Together, they highlight how these systemic issues continue to affect First Nations people and why accountability, reform and community-led solutions are essential.</span></p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Guests featured in this episode</span></b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:false,&quot;134245529&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\"> </span></p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flick Chafer-Smith</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> &#8211; Ngarrindjeri and Indigenous Arts Officer with The Torch. Flick speaks about being incarcerated, the trauma of prison life, and how programs like the Torch and Baggarrook supported her transition out of custody.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\"> </span></p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ali Besiroglu</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> &#8211; Director of Legal Services, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS). Ali has represented families at coronial inquests and outlines the legal failures in Veronica’s case, the Charter Rights that were breached, and why systemic reform is essential.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\"> </span></p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Know Your Rights is narrated by journalist Jedda Costa — a proud Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti and Barapa Barapa woman with many years’ experience covering Indigenous stories</span></p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this episode you will discover:</span></b></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The historical context: Veronica Nelson’s death sits within a pattern of over </span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">600 First Nations deaths in custody</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, showing long-running racial injustice.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"> </span></li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How colonial structures and over-policing increase the likelihood of harmful contact with police.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"> </span></li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The lived effects of the system: fear of police, lack of understanding about legal rights, and the harms of remand and mandatory detention.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"> </span></li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Specific systemic failings in Veronica’s case: denial of timely medical care, blocked access to opioid substitution treatment, lack of bed-based care and failures in bail decision-making.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"> </span></li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The coroner’s response: </span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">51 findings and 39 recommendations</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> — and the troubling absence of prosecutions since.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"> </span></li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How human rights under the Charter were infringed (right to life; protection from cruel or degrading treatment; right to culture; liberty and humane treatment while deprived of liberty).</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"> </span></li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why rehabilitation, mob-led health services and shifting funding away from punitive responses are essential.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"> </span></li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The role of community programs (TORCH, Baggarrook) and culturally grounded courts (Koori Court) in delivering better outcomes.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"> </span></li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Practical steps: reporting incidents, seeking VALS advice, and using community reporting tools to build evidence and push for systemic change.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Song credits:</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call It Out &#8211; David Arden</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Koori Woman &#8211; Carole Fraser &#8211; </span></span><em>Acknowledging the late Aunty Carole Fraser’s track &#8211; rest in peace pioneer and trailblazer &#8211; titled ‘Koori Woman’. We use this song with permission from family and with respect.</em></li>\n</ul>\n"},{"__typename":"WPGraphQL_Page_Acfbodycontent_BodyContent_Wysiwyg","contentHeading":"Protected attributes in Victoria under the Equal Opportunity Act (2010) ","content":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following is a full list of protected attributes in Victoria under section 6 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010: </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">age</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breastfeeding</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">employment activity</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gender identity</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">disability</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">industrial activity</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lawful sexual activity</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marital status</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">parental status or status as a carer</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">physical features</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">political belief or activity</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pregnancy</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> profession, </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trade or occupation</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">race</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">religious belief or activity</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sex</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sex characteristics</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sexual orientation</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an expunged homosexual conviction</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a spent conviction</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and personal association (whether as a relative or otherwise) with a person who is identified by reference to any of the above attributes.</span></li>\n</ul>\n"},{"__typename":"WPGraphQL_Page_Acfbodycontent_BodyContent_Wysiwyg","contentHeading":"Find out how VEOHRC can help","content":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you or someone you know experienced race discrimination? Learn how VEOHRC can support you.</span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can get more information from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, <a href=\"https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/complaints/make-a-complaint/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">make a complaint or report</a></span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you make a formal complaint we will take it through our conciliation process. Conciliation is an informal flexible approach to finding an outcome to a complaint</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outcomes can include an agreement to give an apology, to do cultural safety training, change policies and procedures, to keep your job or get it back, and give financial compensation</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don&#8217;t want to make a formal complaint but want to report race discrimination, you can make an anonymous report to us through our online community reporting tool</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think you may have experienced race discrimination you can contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Monday to Friday to speak with an inquiry officer on <strong>1300 292 153</strong></span></li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All our staff are specifically trained to support First Nations people when they are seeking information or making a complaint.</span></li>\n</ul>\n"}]},"acfRichContent":{"richContent":[{"__typename":"WPGraphQL_Page_Acfrichcontent_RichContent_Downloads","title":"Download the transcript here ","introduction":"","downloads":[{"download":{"title":"Transcript &#8211; Racism in the criminal legal system standing up for justice","fileSizeFormatted":"57kB","fileTypeFormatted":"DOCX","sourceRemote":"https://cms.humanrights.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Transcript-Racism-in-the-criminal-legal-system-standing-up-for-justice.docx","sourceLocal":{"publicURL":"/static/db04674f07bfa4f146b22d7df8c81f7f/Transcript-Racism-in-the-criminal-legal-system-standing-up-for-justice.docx"}}}]},{"__typename":"WPGraphQL_Page_Acfrichcontent_RichContent_RelatedCaseStudies","sectionHeading":"You might also be interested in","caseStudies":[{"image":{"sourceRemote":"https://cms.humanrights.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/healthcare-podcast.png","sourceLocal":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/766f3f8a184b71a24cd05e42d3fbee3b/b7a8c/healthcare-podcast.png","srcSet":"/static/766f3f8a184b71a24cd05e42d3fbee3b/0c1f8/healthcare-podcast.png 198w,\n/static/766f3f8a184b71a24cd05e42d3fbee3b/c662d/healthcare-podcast.png 395w,\n/static/766f3f8a184b71a24cd05e42d3fbee3b/b7a8c/healthcare-podcast.png 790w","sizes":"(min-width: 790px) 790px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/766f3f8a184b71a24cd05e42d3fbee3b/5a382/healthcare-podcast.webp 198w,\n/static/766f3f8a184b71a24cd05e42d3fbee3b/24cc4/healthcare-podcast.webp 395w,\n/static/766f3f8a184b71a24cd05e42d3fbee3b/4f831/healthcare-podcast.webp 790w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 790px) 790px, 100vw"}]},"width":790,"height":448}}}},"title":"Your health, your rights: standing up against racism in healthcare ","introduction":"Imagine walking into a hospital or clinic, feeling unwell and vulnerable, only to be met with cold stares, dismissive tones, or outright discrimination. Instead of care and compassion, you’re faced with assumptions and barriers. This is the reality for too many Aboriginal people when seeking healthcare. In this episode, we’re sharing these experiences and exploring how you can stand up for your rights in everyday healthcare settings that should treat everyone with dignity—but too often, doesn’t.  \r\n\r\nListen now to hear stories and know your rights so you can stand up for them.","description":null,"link":{"title":"","url":"https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/your-health-your-rights-standing-up-against-racism-in-healthcare/"}},{"image":{"sourceRemote":"https://cms.humanrights.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sport-podcast.png","sourceLocal":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/8e6a8fea036d3a64fe592681c7edaba6/b7a8c/sport-podcast.png","srcSet":"/static/8e6a8fea036d3a64fe592681c7edaba6/0c1f8/sport-podcast.png 198w,\n/static/8e6a8fea036d3a64fe592681c7edaba6/c662d/sport-podcast.png 395w,\n/static/8e6a8fea036d3a64fe592681c7edaba6/b7a8c/sport-podcast.png 790w","sizes":"(min-width: 790px) 790px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/8e6a8fea036d3a64fe592681c7edaba6/5a382/sport-podcast.webp 198w,\n/static/8e6a8fea036d3a64fe592681c7edaba6/24cc4/sport-podcast.webp 395w,\n/static/8e6a8fea036d3a64fe592681c7edaba6/4f831/sport-podcast.webp 790w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 790px) 790px, 100vw"}]},"width":790,"height":448}}}},"title":"Racism in sport: standing up against discrimination in sport ","introduction":"In this episode, we’re talking about Aboriginal children and teenagers’ experience of racism in community and school sports. We're exploring the experiences of young athletes, hearing from experts, and discussing the legal protections in place to ensure our children can enjoy sports free from discrimination. \r\n\r\nListen now to hear how we can make sports safe and fair for all Aboriginal children.","description":null,"link":{"title":"","url":"https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/racism-in-sport-standing-up-against-discrimination-in-sport/"}},{"image":{"sourceRemote":"https://cms.humanrights.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/retail-podcast.png","sourceLocal":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/bff33d6f76c5f59b7ee3e54d7918da16/b7a8c/retail-podcast.png","srcSet":"/static/bff33d6f76c5f59b7ee3e54d7918da16/0c1f8/retail-podcast.png 198w,\n/static/bff33d6f76c5f59b7ee3e54d7918da16/c662d/retail-podcast.png 395w,\n/static/bff33d6f76c5f59b7ee3e54d7918da16/b7a8c/retail-podcast.png 790w","sizes":"(min-width: 790px) 790px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/bff33d6f76c5f59b7ee3e54d7918da16/5a382/retail-podcast.webp 198w,\n/static/bff33d6f76c5f59b7ee3e54d7918da16/24cc4/retail-podcast.webp 395w,\n/static/bff33d6f76c5f59b7ee3e54d7918da16/4f831/retail-podcast.webp 790w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 790px) 790px, 100vw"}]},"width":790,"height":448}}}},"title":"Racism in retail settings: standing up against discrimination in everyday places ","introduction":"Imagine walking into a store to buy something basic, something everybody needs, but instead of a warm greeting, you're met with suspicious glances, whispers, or outright hostility. This is the reality for too many First Peoples. In this episode, we’re unpacking these stories and exploring how you can stand up for your rights when it comes to experiencing racism in the places where, just like everybody else, you’re simply trying to get things done. \r\n\r\nListen now to hear powerful stories, learn your rights, and discover ways to speak up and drive change. ","description":null,"link":{"title":"","url":"https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/racism-in-retail-settings-standing-up-against-discrimination-in-everyday-places/"}},{"image":{"sourceRemote":"https://cms.humanrights.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/education-podcast.png","sourceLocal":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/3e7317fa50716241a6fe5986a293cf82/b7a8c/education-podcast.png","srcSet":"/static/3e7317fa50716241a6fe5986a293cf82/0c1f8/education-podcast.png 198w,\n/static/3e7317fa50716241a6fe5986a293cf82/c662d/education-podcast.png 395w,\n/static/3e7317fa50716241a6fe5986a293cf82/b7a8c/education-podcast.png 790w","sizes":"(min-width: 790px) 790px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/3e7317fa50716241a6fe5986a293cf82/5a382/education-podcast.webp 198w,\n/static/3e7317fa50716241a6fe5986a293cf82/24cc4/education-podcast.webp 395w,\n/static/3e7317fa50716241a6fe5986a293cf82/4f831/education-podcast.webp 790w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 790px) 790px, 100vw"}]},"width":790,"height":448}}}},"title":"Your education, your rights: standing up against discrimination in schools ","introduction":"In this episode, we’re talking about the experiences of Aboriginal students in schools across Victoria. You’ll hear powerful stories from parents, educators and advocates, and we’ll unpack the laws that protect your child’s right to equality and dignity, and how you can stand up for them.” “This conversation isn’t just about raising awareness. It’s about empowering you with the knowledge to make a difference. So, whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this episode is for you. \r\n\r\nPlay now to listen, learn, and be part of creating safer, fairer schools for every Aboriginal child. 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