{
"type": "rich",
"version": "1.0",
"provider_name": "Action Network",
"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
"html": "",
"author_name": "Foundation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Action (FAIRA)",
"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/faira",
"title": "2026 Australia: A Year for Indigenous Peoples Rights Webinar",
"thumbnail_url": "https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/share_options/facebook_images/000/613/319/original/Facebook_Landscape_Sydney_Invasion_Day_2016_V1.0_1200_x_630_px.png",
"description": "The Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA) warmly invites you to join us in a webinar exploring Australia's human rights performance. First Nations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) peoples of Australia have experienced a decline in their status and wellbeing as individuals and as Peoples. The absence of representative Indigenous Peoples leadership at the national level has led to a recent upgrowth of unacceptable racist policies and practices throughout political and judicial systems in Australia. On 26 January 2026 Australia is to appear before a working group of the UN Human Rights Council to hear UN Member States consider Australia’s human rights performance during recent years, and present recommendations for action in the immediate future. These recommendations can be monitored for compliance and we urge closer attention to the efforts of parliaments to meet their international obligations. Join our panel of experts in a discussion about reviewing Australia’s efforts to promote and protect the rights of the Indigenous Peoples. Learn more about the periodic review of Australia’s human rights performance and how to observe the review of Australia. Panel includes: Commissioner Katie Kiss, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie is a proud Kaanju and Birri / Widi woman who grew up in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, on the lands of the Darumbal peoples. Katie has spent her career committed to advancing the rights, interests and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Katie's previous roles include: - Executive Director of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body supporting Queensland's Path to Treaty - Chief of Staff to the Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships - Senior Advisor to the Deputy Premier Before taking the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner role, Katie spent 8 years at the Australian Human Rights Commission as Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Team. Les Malezer, Chairperson FAIRA Les Malezer is of the Butchulla peoples and Kabi Kabi peoples in Southeast Queensland. Uncle Les is recognised in Australia and internationally for his lifetime of work to promote and defend the rights of First Nations peoples in Australia and internationally. He played a pivotal with First Nations peoples representatives from around the world in the historic adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the UN General Assembly in 2007. His work was recognised in 2008 with the Australian Human Rights Award and from 2017-2019 he was Expert Member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Uncle Les has held senior roles in government, including as a former head of the Queensland Department of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs. He became the Founding Chairperson of the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA) in 1974 and was twice elected as Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples. Blake Alan Cansdale, National Director, ANTAR Blake is a proud Anaiwan man and the National Director of ANTAR. Dedicated to empowering First Nations Communities, Blake has a background in legal practice with experience in public policy, lecturing, Aboriginal affairs, business management, Aboriginal land planning and development, land acquisition and land management. He holds a Master of Public Policy and Management from Monash University and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) / Bachelor Science (Psychology Major) from UNSW. Prior to joining the team at ANTAR, Blake held Senior Executive roles within the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector, namely as Chief Operating Officer at Tranby National Indigenous Adult Education & Training, and as Chief Operating Officer at Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. Since our establishment in 1977 FAIRA has worked to advance the right to self-determination of the First Peoples of Australia through research, education and lobbying at the local, national and international levels.",
"url": "https://actionnetwork.org/events/2026-australia-a-year-for-indigenous-peoples-rights"
}