Click here for the transcript.

Note: Due to lack of resources and time, the complete Yolngu Matha (ym) translation of this series has not been finalised. This translation is done at our own time and cost. Because of the important nature of this subject we will update this as soon as possible.
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In this podcast series, Maratja Dhamarrandji talks with Richard Trudgen about how Yolŋu people have lost their humanity, their respect for the law and for each other that used to be there when Yolŋu leaders applied the original Australian law. They talk about how only a few decades ago, Arnhem Land communities were among the safest in Australia. Now, with the loss of culture, identity and leadership, Yolŋu people are attacking each other, youths join gangs and there is more domestic violence and lawlessness than ever before.

The root cause come from confusion around Balanda (mainstream) Australian law and how Balanda (and some Yolŋu) do not understand the system of Yolŋu law still in existence. If you are confused, how can you show respect or follow the law? Another problem is that if Yolŋu don’t respect Balanda law, they are arrested and taken to jail.  But if Balanda don’t respect Yolŋu law, nothing happens. So, even though it is still in existence, Yolŋu law has been rendered powerless to create its aim of mägaya, peace and tranquillity.

 Richard and Maratja discuss steps to change this problem. Balanda need to recognise the ḏalkarra djirrikay, Yolŋu political leaders as the real political leaders that they should be talking to and working through issues with. Especially when the Northern Territory government is talking about ‘regional authority’. Balanda also need to recognise the authority of Yolŋu police officers rather than undermining their power by not allowing them to carry weapons to effectively keep the peace.

Maratja states that now is the time to bring Yolŋu law into a new level of sophistication and understanding, and Richard agrees, but that Balanda need to do half of the heavy lifting.  Many mainstream politicians and bureaucrats have told him ‘it’s too hard for us to think about Yolŋu law’. But it’s just as hard for Yolŋu to think about mainstream law! If we want peace and order in Yolŋu communities, we need to recognise the original Australian law, led by ḏalkarra djirrikay, with their own methods of dealing with domestic violence, crime and lawlessness that have worked for Yolŋu communities for over 40,000 years. Then we’ll get somewhere. We don’t have to continue filling up the courts and jails for the next decade.

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Click here for the transcript.

Note: Due to lack of resources and time, the complete Yolngu Matha (ym) translation of this series has not been finalised. This translation is done at our own time and cost. Because of the important nature of this subject we will update this as soon as possible.

There are 4 Stories in this podcast. Please see time stamps below –

• Story No. 1 Humanity, lost culture, lawlessness                                        00:00
• Story No. 2 How can we return to our way of peaceful law                       07:30
• Story No. 3 How can we return to a Rule of Law                                       18:50
• Story No. 4 Need a real conversation about Yolngu law with Balanda      29:14