Leanne Liddle: Being a changemaker in the justice system

One of Leanne Liddle’s earliest memories of championing equality was inviting a schoolmate with disabilities onto her team on sports day and ignoring her teammates’ protests.

“I told them she was entitled to run and I didn’t care if we lost because we’d all win by including her,” says Leanne, an Arrente woman from Alice Springs. “I reckon I changed people’s perception that day on how to treat those who’re different. And I learnt you can influence others when you stand your ground in doing what's right.”

That insight has guided and shaped the rest of Leanne’s life and career. During a decade of service as the first Aboriginal policewoman in South Australia, she fought racism and discrimination in the force - and won. That victory was the spark that blazed her path in the justice sector. 

As director of the Aboriginal Justice Unit, Leanne has been a changemaker and the driving force behind the Aboriginal Justice Agreement which aims to reduce imprisonment rates, increase Aboriginal leadership and improve justice outcomes for Indigenous Territorians.

In her 2022 NT Australian of the Year Award acceptance speech, she promised to shine a spotlight on those still suffering under the current justice system. “We don’t live in a system where everything is equal. Behind the statistics of imprisonment and family violence rates are real people. And these people are whom I’m helping through the Aboriginal Justice Agreement.”

Here Leanne talks about fighting racism, the continuing work to improve our justice systems and how non-Indigenous people can build better relationships with their Indigenous counterparts.

You learnt to stand your ground at a young age. Who were your role models?
“I have to credit my grandmother and mother. There were many times when I saw mum hold her ground with people in powerful positions. She’d walk away from the argument shaken and upset but having won it. That’s when I understood that no matter how uncomfortable or frightened you are, some things are worth fighting for. Mum also showed me that arguments can be had with dignity - without fists or angry words.”

Your early experiences with injustice could have negatively influenced you. What set you on the path to making a difference instead?
“Mum was from the Stolen Generation and would say to me, "They thought it was the right thing at the time. They now know it wasn’t. You have to make sure it never happens again." That ability to forgive but not forget is a characteristic I’ve inherited from her and it drives my work today.”

In an interview with the 'National Indigenous Times', you spoke about your consultations with Indigenous communities in the Territory. You said it was clear that such honest and transparent conversations hadn't happened before. What did you do differently to get these conversations going?
“Every single one of our 150 consultations with these communities was inclusive and respectful. We spoke in the first language of each community and took our time to really listen to them. And we showed them data and evidence they’d never seen before.

“We also held many meetings across from the cemetery, which confronted the community’s belief that “we’re all good." That helped us speak honestly about why Indigenous people are filling up cemeteries and prisons faster than they are schools.

“We have a 35% attendance rate in Northern Territory schools and we've never been able to reduce the gap no matter how much money has been invested here. We really need to understand why nothing has changed.”

What did you find to be the root cause of these issues?
“Racism and not having access to support services. Aboriginal people attend an average of 14 funerals a year. Most involve young people who chose to end their lives after being mistreated on a day-to-day basis and judged on their colour instead of their conduct. That’s enough for many Aboriginal people to feel disempowered and turn to substance abuse or use their fists in response.”

What has been your proudest achievement to date?
“Winning the fight on racism against the South Australian police force. It was a David and Goliath battle but we won because I had many talented people - both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal – who stood by me, including police officers. They made the right decision even though they knew there would be consequences.”

How can non-Indigenous Australians build better relationships with Indigenous communities?
“Start by understanding the history of Australia beyond Captain Cook, and recognising and understanding that many decisions, history and legislation have had consequences for us. For instance, don't assume we have no goals or aspirations. We want the same things - to live in a safe place, to have jobs and for our kids to go to school.”

What gives you hope in your work and what future changes do you want to see?
“I've already seen hope where Aboriginal people have spoken out on matters important to them. What I want to see next is Aboriginal people functioning well, achieving their goals and thriving in safe communities.

I want to see them fill universities and boardrooms at the same rate they’re filling cemeteries, prisons and the health system. But I also want people to understand how difficult it is to fight the status quo when you’re alone, frightened and vulnerable. And so I want all Australians to understand that we can’t do this without their support.”

What does it mean to be named 2022 NT Australian of the Year, and how will you use this platform?
“It’s a recognition of the people who’ve invested in me. This award has given me the ears of so many more people. The platform is huge and I’m going to use it to its fullest potential in being the voice for those less fortunate.”

Australia Post is category sponsor of the Australian of the Year Award and we’re proud to share inspiring stories like yours with the rest of Australia. What comes to mind when you think about Australia Post?
“When I was a 20 something police officer in the outback town of Oodnadatta in South Australia, I did the mail run in a truck because the regular guy was sick. It was a long day but I enjoyed seeing people’s shocked faces when we delivered the mail bags!”

Australia Post is proud to partner with the National Australia Day Council and showcase the inspiring stories of remarkable everyday Australians.