In this year’s Report, the Commissioner review developments in the enjoyment and exercise of human rights by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples between 1 July 2011 – 30 June 2012 (the reporting period). The report also focusses on the theme of governance, giving consideration to what enables effective, legitimate and culturally relevant governance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. I provide a number of cases studies which illustrate why this focus is so important. It outlines three components of a framework for effective governance in Indigenous communities: a foundation of community governance and self-determination; good organisational governance; and an enabling role played by government and other external parties.

It also looks at what this means in practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and those external parties. Finally, the Social Justice Report 2012 provides numerous recommendations.