When Indigenous people and their non-Indigenous allies engage in lateral violence, they reinforce harmful power dynamics established by colonisation, even with good intentions. This violence mirrors conflict within the community and allows colonial systems to exert control and competition internally, rather than relying on outside authority. Over time, such behaviours become normalised and defended by those who experience them.

To combat this detrimental cycle, it is imperative for the Law Council to transition from its current role of offering advisory commentary to establishing a formal, well-resourced partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). This collaboration is a vital step towards dismantling the systemic inequities and colonial control mechanisms that continue to perpetuate harm within Indigenous communities.

A meaningful partnership between the Law Council and ACCOs would facilitate statutory protections against cultural and lateral violence, ensuring legal remedies are accessible to those affected. Moreover, it would ensure equitable long-term funding for initiatives led by ACCOs, bolstering their capacity to address these issues with a culturally informed perspective.

Furthermore, this partnership could drive systemic legal reforms grounded in self-determination and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), promoting an overarching framework for justice that recognises and respects Indigenous knowledge systems, governance, and laws.

It's time for the Law Council to take a definitive stance and work alongside ACCOs not only to provide support but to also empower these organisations in leading their communities towards healing and autonomy. This collaboration could become a model for other legal and governmental bodies to follow, leading to a future where Indigenous communities are no longer hindered by the remnants of colonial oppression.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for genuine systemic change and supporting the sovereignty and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Let's create a platform for voices that have been marginalised for far too long, stand against lateral violence, and champion a future rooted in justice and equity. Sign now to urge the Law Council to partner with ACCOs and drive significant reform.