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We have a long and proud history of supporting Indigenous peoples in Australia, using the law to achieve justice.

UNSW Law & Justice’s renowned experts on the Australian legal system consult on a range of legal issues that impact First Nations peoples - including Australian mainland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Because of the over-representation of Indigenous Australians in our punitive legal systems following centuries of dispossession and failed assimilation policies, our scholars share a common goal to help transform Indigenous communities through self-determination.

Drawing from our knowledge of environmental law, Indigenous peoples law and human rights law, including international human rights, our scholars play a pivotal role in helping Aboriginal people in the law reform around Indigenous issues that is underpinned by a deep understanding of the Native Title Act. Notable initiatives include the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Our expertise

  • Constitutional recognition & treaty
  • Cultural heritage, intellectual property & Indigenous peoples
  • Indigenous children & young people
  • Indigenous family violence & child abuse
  • Indigenous legal education & pedagogy
  • International law of Indigenous peoples
  • Indigenous peoples, wills & intestacy law
  • Native title & land rights
  • Policing & incarceration of Indigenous peoples

Centres, institutes & networks