The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs has published its report on its inquiry into the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 28 November 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs has today published its report on its inquiry into the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia. The report makes six recommendations, including that the Commonwealth Government ensure that its policies and legislation on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people be consistent with the Articles of UNDRIP. To realise this, the Committee makes further recommendations to: Amend parliamentary human rights scrutiny processes to formally include consideration of UNDRIP; Develop a National Action Plan, in consultation with First Peoples, to outline a coordinated approach to implementing UNDRIP across all Australian jurisdictions; Improve education on Australian history, civics, and human rights; and Establish an independent process of truth-telling and agreement-making. Committee Chair Senator Patrick Dodson said, ‘At the heart of this report is a call for all Australian governments and civil society to engage with the rights of First Peoples through UNDRIP. ‘The Committee heard clear evidence about how the enhanced application of UNDRIP offers a blueprint for a renewed relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Australian nation that strengthens our democracy and improves the wellbeing of First Peoples.’ Through the course of the inquiry the Committee received evidence from a range of domestic and international experts, as well as many Indigenous representatives, including from Canada, New Zealand, Finland and Norway. For more information about this committee and its report, visit the inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Office of Senator Patrick Dodson: Murray Mclaughlin, 0429 153 363

On the 2 August 2022, the Senate referred an inquiry into the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia, to the newly established Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (JSCATSIA).

Media release issue date: Thursday, 8 September 2022

On the 2 August 2022, the Senate referred an inquiry into the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia, to the newly established Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (JSCATSIA). The JSCATSIA committee will inquire into international experiences of the implementation of UNDRIP, consider options for improving adherence to UNDRIP principles in Australia, and will assess how the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart can support the application of UNDRIP. Committee Chair Senator Patrick Dodson said, “The committee looks forward to receiving evidence from individuals, organisations, land councils, academics, and think tanks across Australia and internationally.” “I encourage everyone to have their say on how the application of UNDRIP can be successfully implemented in Australia.” The committee welcomes submissions from interested individuals and organisations by Wednesday 19 October 2022. For more information about this committee and its inquiry, including the terms of reference and instructions on making a submission, please visit the inquiry webpage. You may also track the committee’s progress by clicking the blue ‘Track Committee’ button on the committee’s website. The Terms of Reference of the inquiry are as follows: The application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia, with particular reference to: the international experience of implementing the UNDRIP, options to improve adherence to the principles of UNDRIP in Australia, how implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart can support the application of the UNDRIP, and any other related matters. An inquiry into the application of UNDRIP in Australia was previously referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs on 29 March 2022.This inquiry lapsed with the dissolution of the 46th Parliament. All submissions received during that inquiry have been accepted by the committee and will be considered as part of this new inquiry, however, stakeholders are encouraged to submit updates responding to the new terms of reference. Media inquiries Office of Senator Patrick Dodson Media contact: Sophia O’Rourke 02 6277 3746