Change the Record

Just because it is no longer dominating the news cycle like it did, does not mean that we, as a society, have reached any semblance of racial justice or an end to rampant racial discrimination. That’s why we’re so passionate about the work of organisations like Change the Record who are on a mission to end the incarceration of, and family violence against, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Over the last 10 years there has been an 88% increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being put in prison, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now 13 times more likely to be imprisoned than non-Indigenous people. Furthermore, ​Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – especially women and children – are experiencing increasing amounts of violence with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women 34 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of family violence. This is devastating lives and communities​ and has reached a crisis point.

Change the Record is Australia’s only national Aboriginal-led justice coalition of legal, health and family violence prevention experts. Did you know that 437 Aboriginal people have died in police or prison cells, or after interactions with police? According to Change the Record, this is for two reasons: discriminatory policies and discriminatory policing. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can change the record.

By advocating for government closure of prisons, and instead investing in support and Aboriginal-led solutions and holistic approaches to justice – we can create greater accountability for injustice and redress systemic discrimination. ​Promoting Aboriginal self-determination; social justice, human rights and accountability; cultural strength and healing is all of our responsibility. That’s why we have chosen to donate $2,030 this quarter to Change the Record.

This organisation is doing crucial work right now to highlight the impacts of COVID-19 policies on First Nations communities and campaign for chronically ill and vulnerable people to be released from prisons. They are asking for support to get their work in front of decision-makers so they may help lead a culturally responsive and just COVID-19 recovery. You can do just that by making a donation to Change the Record, fundraising for change, and by reading their latest report: “Critical Condition” – the impact of Covid-19 policies on First Nations communities.

*Pure Community and Pure Finance have no direct affiliation with the organisations and causes listed on this page, we simply appreciate the work that they do, and choose to show our appreciation by contributing to them.