Missing and murdered First Nations women and children [Senate Report]

Abstract

This report by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee investigates the alarming rates of missing and murdered First Nations women and children in Australia. It examines the systemic causes of violence, including the impacts of colonization and institutional racism. The report also reviews current data, policing practices, and Commonwealth government responsibilities, and it makes several recommendations for improving justice and safety for First Nations communities.<br><br> <strong>List of Recommendations</strong><br>

<p><strong>Recommendation 1</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that federal, state, and territory governments co-design with First Nations families and communities, on behalf of all Australians, a culturally appropriate and nationally significant way in which to recognize and remember the First Nations women and children who have been murdered or disappeared.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation 2</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that the Attorney-General tasks the Police Ministers Council to review existing police practices in each jurisdiction, consider the learnings from each jurisdiction, and aim to implement and harmonize best police practices across Australia by no later than 31 December 2025. This should include ongoing and mandatory cultural awareness training, recruitment, support and promotion of First Nations people, and appropriate guidelines for reviewing past cases involving disappeared and murdered First Nations women and children.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation 3</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee or the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs monitors progress in meeting Recommendation 2 and addressing the issues relating to discernible data gaps.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation 4</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that the Commonwealth government appoints a First Nations person with specific responsibility for advocating on behalf of and addressing violence against First Nations women and children within the Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence Commission.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation 5</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that the Australian government urgently implements the relevant recommendations from the Independent Review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020–2025, particularly addressing the need to increase the geographic spread and capacity of Family Violence Prevention Legal Services.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation 6</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that the Department of Social Services, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Attorney-General's Department, and the National Indigenous Australians Agency develop a sustainable funding mechanism to provide ongoing support services for First Nations people, prioritizing Aboriginal community-controlled organizations.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation 7</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that the Australian government empowers First Nations women to lead the design and implementation of services and supports that address violence in their communities.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation 8</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) considers auditing the Attorney-General’s Department to assess its effectiveness in delivering commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, and other relevant frameworks.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation 9</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that the Australian Press Council reflects on how the media portrays cases of murdered and disappeared First Nations women and children and considers introducing additional standards or guidelines to address community concerns.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation 10</strong></p> <p>The committee recommends that the Australian government systematically reviews the many recommendations and suggestions made during the inquiry, including those relating to trauma-informed healing, violence prevention frameworks, and Aboriginal community-based support programs.</p>