The criminal legal system should protect people’s rights and safety. Instead, for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it’s shaped by over-policing, unsafe custody conditions and a long history of discrimination. These experiences don’t just affect individuals - they cause deep harm to families, communities and future generations.

Narrated by journalist Jedda Costa, a proud Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti and Barapa Barapa woman, this episode of Know Your Rights examines racism in the criminal legal system and its devastating consequences. 

Ngarrindjeri artist Flick Chafer-Smith opens up about her experience of living through the system and the role of community-led programs in supporting change. Ali Besiroglu, Director of Legal Services at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) shares the tragic story of Veronica Nelson - to highlight the deep racial injustices within Australia’s legal and prison systems. 

Together, they describe how fear of police, lack of support, unsafe custody conditions and systemic discrimination continue to affect First Peoples in Victoria, and point to community-led solutions and legal reforms that are needed.

Know Your Rights is a 5 part podcast series presented by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.

If you or someone you know has experienced race discrimination, you can reach out to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission for more information, to make a complaint or report. Visit humanrights.vic.gov.au to learn more.

Click here to access the full shownotes, resources and transcript.

Other links and resources mentioned in the episode:

• www.vals.org.au
• Coroners Court of Victoria Inquest into the Passing of Veronica Nelson: A copy of the finding can be found here, as on amended 24 August 2023
• VALS Cultural capability framework: https://www.vals.org.au/research-evidence-development/first-nations-cultural-capability-framework/
• Dardi Munwurro: https://dardimunwurro.com.au/
• Baggarook: https://www.vals.org.au/community-justice-programs/baggarrook/

Song credits:

• Koori Woman - Carol Fraser
• Call It Out - David Arden