Oxfam Australia has worked to advance First Peoples’ rights for more than 40 years —and our work is not nearly done. We still have a long way to go towards First Peoples’ justice and equality in Australia. Despite more than a decade of campaigning, the gap is not closed.
How we tackle First Peoples inequality
Straight Talk
Our Straight Talkprogram brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women fromaround the country to meet politicians, learn about Australia’s political system, and leverage/wield/use those learnings to make change happen in their communities.
Justice reinvestment
Our First Peoples programs supports projects that redirect/divert funding from policing and prisons into community-led social programs that reduce Aboriginal incarceration.
Indigenous rights
We defend the traditional rights of First Nations people to access their land and water resources so they can sustain fishing practices and livelihoods, and restore ancient cultural practices and knowledge systems to protect Country.
Also in this section
Voice. Treaty. Truth.
Our policies
Advisory committee
Partnerships
How can you help
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Latest news
CLIMATE FINANCE
Bridging the climate finance gap on the road to Glasgow
It is essential that countries make commitments at COP26 that will limit global warming to 1.5°C and avoid devastating impacts to lives and livelihoods.
New report: Shopping for a Bargain
This week we released our new research report, Shopping for a Bargain. It’s the first detailed investigation of its kind, examining the purchasing practices of leading fashion retailers operating in Australia. Despite their commitments to ethical fashion, few big brands are living up to them, keeping the women who make our clothes in poverty.
Big W step towards a living wage
Big W Australia has announced the next step in their commitment to a living wage, by joining Action Collaboration Transformation (ACT) – a global initiative bringing together brands and unions to work towards living wages for the women who make our clothes, through collective bargaining.
Naughty or nice list 2019
In 2019, the Naughty or Nice List is about brands’ commitment to paying a living wage, which would lift the women who make our clothes, and their families, out of poverty. Which brands have made a real commitment and who is lagging behind?
Faqs
What does Oxfam Australia mean by “First Peoples”?
In this section, the First Peoples refers to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
What is “First Peoples justice”?
Despite 65,000 years caring for People and Country, today the First Peoples of Australia are too often excluded from the resources of their own country. By calling for First Peoples justice, our aim is to undo systemic inequality, challenge injustice, and achieve the change the First Peoples of Australia want to see.
How has Oxfam Australia been working with the First Peoples?
Oxfam Australia has a strong, 47-year history working as an ally with First Nations communities — supporting health services, campaigns, political empowerment and more — and we’re incredibly proud of the achievements of our First Peoples team.
Your impact
Meet these inspiring heroes from all corners of the globe.
Haji and his wife Mehrunnisa are able to use their new skills learnt as part of the Building Resilient Communities Program.
“If you plant your crops and it rains, then they’ll grow… you will grow. And if it doesn’t rain, you get nothing.” — Josefa
Zimbabwe
Sifiso’s story
Like all farmers, Sifiso’s livelihood depends on the weather. She says, “I get my income from farming … We farm vegetables, peanuts, sorghum and cowpeas. Sometimes, we grow millet and maize.
Vanuatu
Blockchain technology
Our UnBlocked cash transfer program supports vulnerable communities with immediate cash transfers when disasters strike.
“We are actually really worried, especially for the kids because they are the ones that suffer this the most… if they don’t eat properly, they start losing weight and they can suffer from malnutrition.” — Lucas
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