Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the copy-the-code domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/web/site/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121 Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wp-smushit domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/web/site/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121 Unlock the Future - 51% (one in two) of all Australian children in detention are Indigenous

UNLOCK the future for Aboriginal young people.

Support the people making change.

Learn more

the Goal

Halve the number of Aboriginal children in jail by 2025.

Unlock the Future is the platform where you can show your support for Songs for Freedom – a Big hART project involving a national concert tour, a documentary, an album, and music and intercultural workshops around the country.

Songs for Freedom originates from the town of Ieramugadu (Roebourne) in the Pilbara, WA.
40 years ago, in Ieramugadu, 16-year-old John Pat passed away in a police cell. The tragedy triggered the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. 339 recommendations were handed down. Few were acted on.

Today, your voice joining with others, can affect change.

Together, by pledging your support below, we can call for urgent change to keep young Aboriginal people from jail and unlock their future.

THE FACT

Every second young person in detention in Australia is Aboriginal (51%).
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT

THE FACT

Every second young person in detention in Australia is Aboriginal (51%).

It costs $713 940 per year, per child held in detention in NSW.

In WA, Indigenous young people make up 77% of the juvenile prison population.

The custody rate of young Indigenous people is 26 time higher than non-Indigenous.

Indigenous 10-17 year olds make up less than 6% of the population but 56% of young people in detention.

Between 2003 and 2018 Australia's rate of imprisonment was the third fastest growing in the OECD.