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| ANTaR | |
|---|---|
| Name | ANTaR |
| Formation | 1997 |
| Type | Non-profit advocacy group |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia |
| Area served | Australia |
| Focus | Indigenous rights, health, justice |
ANTaR
ANTaR is an Australian advocacy coalition focused on Indigenous rights, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and justice, and public awareness. The organization engages with policymakers, community groups, and media to influence outcomes related to Indigenous affairs, reconciliation, and human rights in Australia.
ANTaR operates as a national network linking local aboriginal community-controlled health services, native title advocates, and urban Indigenous organizations across states such as New South Wales, Victoria (Australia), Queensland, and Western Australia. It interfaces with institutions including the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Australian Parliament, and the High Court of Australia while collaborating with peak bodies like Reconciliation Australia and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. ANTaR's public presence includes participation in events related to National Sorry Day, NAIDOC Week, and national inquiries such as those led by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
ANTaR was formed in the late 20th century amid policy debates involving figures and events such as Paul Keating, the Mabo v Queensland (No 2) decision, and the national response to the Bringing Them Home report. Early campaigns drew on networks connected to activist groups like Land Rights Movement (Australia), unions including the Australian Council of Trade Unions, and civil society organizations such as the Australian Council for International Development. Over subsequent decades ANTaR engaged with federal initiatives under governments led by John Howard, Kevin Rudd, and Scott Morrison, and participated in national dialogues prompted by reports from bodies like the Productivity Commission.
ANTaR's mission emphasizes advocacy for policy change, public education, and community empowerment, aligning with international frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and instruments promoted by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Activities include campaigning on issues raised by inquiries like the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, contributing submissions to parliamentary committees including the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia, and supporting grassroots actions linked to organizations such as Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Aboriginal Medical Service.
ANTaR is structured as a national secretariat with state and territory chapters, drawing volunteers, board members, and staff with ties to institutions like Universities Australia, community legal centers such as the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT), and national bodies including the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Governance is overseen by a board and council that liaise with stakeholders from legal, health, and Indigenous policy sectors, including representatives who have engaged with the Lowitja Institute and the Close the Gap Steering Committee.
Major campaigns have targeted issues including deaths in custody highlighted by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the welfare and child protection debates influenced by cases like those reviewed in the Bringing Them Home report, and constitutional recognition debates exemplified by the Referendum Council. ANTaR has coordinated actions alongside unions such as the Australian Education Union, faith-based partners including the Uniting Church in Australia, and arts and media allies linked to festivals like Sydney Festival to raise awareness during national events including Australia Day protests.
ANTaR partners with peak organizations such as Reconciliation Australia, health networks like the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, and legal advocacy bodies including the Human Rights Law Centre. Funding sources have included philanthropic trusts comparable to the Ian Potter Foundation, grants from state governments including those of New South Wales and Victoria (Australia), and donations coordinated through civil society platforms used by organizations such as Oxfam Australia and GetUp!.
ANTaR has contributed to shifts in public debate on issues raised by actions connected to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, inquiries such as the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and policy reforms influenced by reports from the Productivity Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission. Critics from conservative parties like the Liberal Party of Australia and commentators in outlets such as The Australian have questioned ANTaR's strategies and funding transparency, while some Indigenous organizations have debated priorities with ANTaR over approaches to self-determination and representation exemplified in discussions involving the Referendum Council and the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples.
Category:Non-profit organisations based in Australia Category:Indigenous Australian rights organizations