In June 2022, VACCA provided a written submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Application of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia.
In particular, the inquiry sought input into the history of Australia’s support for the application of UNDRIP; the potential to enact UNDRIP in Australia, international experiences of enacting and enforcing UNDRIP; legal issues relevant to ensure compliance with the UNDRIP, with or without enacting it; key Australian legislation affected by adherence to the principles of the UNDRIP; Australian federal and state government’s adherence to the principles of the UNDRIP; the track record of Australian government efforts to improve adherence to the principles of UNDRIP; community and stakeholder efforts to ensure the application of UNDRIP principles in Australia; the current and historical systemic and other aspects to take into consideration regarding the rights of First Nations people in Australia.