Have you ever been refused service because of who you are? Do you feel like the education system wasn’t built for you? Have you or your kids faced racist comments whilst playing sports or going to school? Know Your Rights shines a light on the everyday discrimination First Peoples in Victoria continue to face — in schools, sport, shops, healthcare, and within the criminal legal system.
Hosted by journalist Jedda Costa, a proud Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta and Mutti Mutti woman from Naarm, this 5 part series unpacks real stories from community and explores how they connect to our shared history and ongoing fight for justice.
Created for First Peoples in Victoria and presented by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), Know Your Rights looks at systemic inequality — from the tragic case of Veronica Nelson to the subtle, everyday moments of bias and exclusion — and asks what it will take to build a fairer future for all.
If you want to get clearer on your rights, speak up for yourself or others, or learn how to better support First Peoples in your community, this podcast gives you real stories and practical tools to help. All episodes will be launching in February 2026 - subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au (https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au).
All episodes were recorded on Wurundjeri Country, Naarm in 2025.
Publisher
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Racism in retail settings: standing up against discrimination in everyday places
Shops, cafes, pubs and supermarkets should be places everyone can access without being met with suspicious looks, being ignored, or having your bag checked. But many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria still face racial profiling, unfair treatment and hurtful comments in retail settings. These everyday experiences can cause shame, isolation and real harm.
In this episode of Know Your Rights, you’ll discover what racism in retail settings looks like, how it affects people and families, and practical steps you can take if it happens to you. You’ll hear from Siobhan Doyle, Principal Managing Lawyer – Civil Law and Human Rights Practice at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, and Lorena Walker, Community Legal Education Project Officer at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, who share real world examples and advice to help you and your mob stay safe and informed.
This episodes is narrated by journalist Jedda Costa, a proud Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta, Barapa Barapa and Mutti Mutti woman.
Know Your Rights is a 5-part series presented by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.
If you or someone you know has experienced race discrimination, you can get help from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission or VALS - visit humanrights.vic.gov.au (http://humanrights.vic.gov.au) for more information.
Click here to access the shownotes, resources and transcript. (https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/racism-in-retail-settings-standing-up-against-discrimination-in-everyday-places/)
Other links and resources mentioned in the episode:
humanrights.vic.gov.au (http://humanrights.vic.gov.au)
www.vals.org.au (http://www.vals.org.au)
Song credits:
Koori Woman - Carol Fraser
Call It Out - David Arden
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
10 May 2026
Your education, your rights: standing up against discrimination in schools
What should you do when school doesn’t feel safe for you or your child? When low expectations, stereotypes, or silence around racism leave you feeling unheard or pushed aside?
Walking into a classroom should mean belonging and opportunity. Yet many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students experience racism at school — sometimes openly, sometimes in subtle, systemic ways that are harder to challenge. Over time, this can affect confidence, mental health and how you or your child see the future.
In this episode of Know Your Rights, you’ll learn how racism shows up in schools, how it impacts Aboriginal kids and families, and what your rights are when discrimination happens. Narrated by journalist Jedda Costa — a proud Wemba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti and Barapa Barapa woman — the conversation centres Aboriginal voices, strength and lived experience.
You’ll hear from Professor Mark Rose, who explains how school systems can reinforce inequality and what real change can look like, and from teacher and mum Djallarna Hamilton, who speaks honestly about advocating for children and navigating school systems as an Aboriginal parent.
Know Your Rights is a 5 part podcast series presented by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
If you or someone you know has experienced race discrimination, you can reach out to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) for more information, to make a complaint or report. Visit: https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/ (https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/)
Click here to access the full shownotes and resources. (https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/your-education-your-rights-standing-up-against-discrimination-in-school/)
Song credits:
Koori Woman - Carol Fraser
Call It Out - David Arden
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
10 May 2026
Racism in the criminal legal system: standing up for justice
The criminal legal system should protect people’s rights and safety. Instead, for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it’s shaped by over-policing, unsafe custody conditions and a long history of discrimination. These experiences don’t just affect individuals - they cause deep harm to families, communities and future generations.
Narrated by journalist Jedda Costa, a proud Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti and Barapa Barapa woman, this episode of Know Your Rights examines racism in the criminal legal system and its devastating consequences.
Ngarrindjeri artist Flick Chafer-Smith opens up about her experience of living through the system and the role of community-led programs in supporting change. Ali Besiroglu, Director of Legal Services at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) shares the tragic story of Veronica Nelson - to highlight the deep racial injustices within Australia’s legal and prison systems.
Together, they describe how fear of police, lack of support, unsafe custody conditions and systemic discrimination continue to affect First Peoples in Victoria, and point to community-led solutions and legal reforms that are needed.
Know Your Rights is a 5 part podcast series presented by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.
If you or someone you know has experienced race discrimination, you can reach out to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission for more information, to make a complaint or report. Visit humanrights.vic.gov.au (http://humanrights.vic.gov.au) to learn more.
Click here to access the full shownotes, resources and transcript. (https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/racism-in-the-criminal-legal-system-standing-up-for-justice/)
Other links and resources mentioned in the episode:
www.vals.org.au (http://www.vals.org.au)
Coroners Court of Victoria Inquest into the Passing of Veronica Nelson: A copy of the finding can be found here (https://coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/COR%202020%200021%20-%20Veronica%20Nelson%20Inquiry%20-%20Form%2037%20-%20Finding%20into%20Death%20with%20Inquest%20-%2030%20January%202023%20-%20Amended%2024%20August%202023.pdf), as on amended 24 August 2023
VALS Cultural capability framework: https://www.vals.org.au/research-evidence-development/first-nations-cultural-capability-framework/ (https://www.vals.org.au/research-evidence-development/first-nations-cultural-capability-framework/)
Dardi Munwurro: https://dardimunwurro.com.au/ (https://dardimunwurro.com.au/)
Baggarook: https://www.vals.org.au/community-justice-programs/baggarrook/ (https://www.vals.org.au/community-justice-programs/baggarrook/)
Song credits:
Koori Woman - Carol Fraser
Call It Out - David Arden
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
10 May 2026
Your health, your rights: standing up against racism in healthcare
A doctor’s clinic or hospital should be a place of care, trust and respect. But many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still experience racism in these healthcare settings. These experiences can lead to fear, delayed treatment and people avoiding care altogether.
In this episode of Know Your Rights, Professor Yin Paradies, a Wakaya man and Chair of Race Relations at Deakin University, and Lisa Briggs, a Gunditjmara woman and CEO of Ngaweeyan Maar-ooshare, share how racism shows up in healthcare, how it affects individuals and families, and what can be done to make the system safer and more accountable. Narrated by journalist Jedda Costa, a proud Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti and Barapa Barapa woman, the conversation centres around lived experience, cultural knowledge and practical pathways for change.
Know Your Rights is a 5-part podcast series presented by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
If you or someone you know has experienced race discrimination in a healthcare setting, you can contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission for information, support, or to make a complaint. Visit humanrights.vic.gov.au (http://humanrights.vic.gov.au) to learn more.
Click here to access the full show notes, resources and transcript. (https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/your-health-your-rights-standing-up-against-racism-in-healthcare/)
Other links and resources mentioned in the episode:
humanrights.vic.gov.au (http://humanrights.vic.gov.au)
www.vals.org.au (http://www.vals.org.au)
Song credits:
Koori Woman - Carol Fraser
Call It Out - David Arden
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
10 May 2026
Racism in sport: standing up against discrimination in sport
Sport should be a place of teamwork, confidence and joy. Yet many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes experience racism - sometimes openly, sometimes in subtle and systemic ways that are harder to challenge. Over time, these experiences can affect mental health, self-belief and whether young people stay involved in the game at all.
In this episode of Know Your Rights, you’ll learn how racism shows up in community and school sport, how it impacts Aboriginal athletes and families, and what your rights are when discrimination happens. Narrated by journalist Jedda Costa, a proud Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta, Barapa Barapa and Mutti Mutti woman; this episode centres on Aboriginal voices, lived experience and the strength of community-led change.
You’ll hear from Anita North, a proud Gunditjmara and Mutti Mutti woman and long-time netball player and coach, who shares her experience supporting young Aboriginal athletes. You’ll also hear from Professor Barry Judd, a Pitjantjatjara man and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne, who explains how racism in sport can be both visible and systemic and what needs to change.
Know Your Rights is a 5 part podcast series presented by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
If you or someone you know has experienced race discrimination, you can reach out to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission for more information, to make a complaint or report. Visit www.humanrights.vic.gov.au (https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au)
Click here to access the full show notes, resources and transcript. (https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/racism-in-sport-standing-up-against-discrimination-in-sport/)
Other links and resources mentioned in the episode:
www.humanrights.vic.gov.au (http://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au)
www.vals.org.au (http://www.vals.org.au)
Song credits:
Koori Woman - Carol Fraser
Call It Out - David Arden
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
16 Dec 2025
Trailer
Know Your Rights will be launching in early 2026! This podcast shines a light on the everyday discrimination First Peoples in Victoria continue to face — in schools, sport, shops, healthcare, and within the criminal legal system.
Hosted by journalist Jedda Costa, a proud Wemba Wemba, Yorta Yorta and Mutti Mutti woman from Naarm, this 5 part series unpacks real stories from community and explores how they connect to our shared history and ongoing fight for justice.
Created for First Peoples in Victoria and presented by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), Know Your Rights looks at systemic inequality — from the tragic case of Veronica Nelson to the subtle, everyday moments of bias and exclusion — and asks what it will take to build a fairer future for all.
All episodes will be launching in February 2026 - subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au (https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au). All episodes were recorded on Wurundjeri Country, Naarm in 2025.
Music featured in this trailer:
Koori Woman - Aunty Carol Fraser
Call It Out - David Arden
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
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