FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE ARE ADVISED THIS WEBSITE CONTAINS DISTRESSING CONTENT AND THE NAMES OF FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE WHO ARE NOW RESTING IN THE DREAMING.

THE PROBLEM

First Nations people in Australia are the most disproportionately incarcerated people in the world — making up 32% of prison populations while comprising only 3.8% of the total Australian population.

Facing the Numbers explores the stories and faces behind the statistics of First Nations disadvantage in Australia’s legal system. Many Australians have heard these statistics, yet not many are familiar with the systemic issues that lead to them. Even fewer understand how these numbers translate into human stories and experiences.

Facing the Numbers asks, How does police brutality affect someone’s life? How does racial profiling make someone feel? How does death in custody impact communities? And, what role can each of us play in enabling First Nations justice?

Grounded in truth-telling, this series showcases the remarkable strength and resilience of First Nations people who are still here — protecting Country, culture and community, despite deep institutional and systemic racism.

There have been 580 First Nations deaths in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991 — with not one perpetrator brought to justice.

Moving beyond devastating statistics, Facing the Numbers encourages individuals to understand First Nations experiences of the justice system at a deeper level, by connecting to the humanity of the people affected.

The short documentary series tackles the profound and ongoing impacts of our nation’s criminal justice system, unpacking institutional racism, racial profiling, police brutality and deaths in custody.

Raw, compelling testimonies are designed to appeal to people’s emotions and values, enabling us to shift mindsets of apathy to those of caring deeply, driving people to take meaningful action.

Each story connects with a powerful call to action to mobilise a groundswell of people standing for First Nations justice.

OUR SOLUTION

Numbers don’t convince people. Stories do.

Facing the Numbers cuts through apathy by putting Australians in the shoes of First Nations people who have been harmed by the legal system.

This series of testimonies deepens our understanding of the disadvantage and injustice within law enforcement to significantly increase the support and power behind critical First Nations advocacy work and self-determined solutions.

By taking action, you will lead behavioural change, influence systemic change and help us draw international attention in challenging all Australians and all institutions to urgently address this national crisis.

Get Involved

First Nations people in Australia are the most disproportionately incarcerated people in the world — making up 32% of prison populations while comprising only 3.8% of the total Australian population.

There have been 580 First Nations deaths in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991 — with not one perpetrator brought to justice.

OUR SOLUTION

There have been 580 First Nations deaths in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991 — with not one perpetrator brought to justice.