From the Human Rights Commission to Federal Court

After Adani failed to constructively engage in mediation and the Australian Human Rights Commission terminated conciliation efforts in June, we filed our case for justice in the Federal Court. As National Indigenous Times reported 1, we’re challenging both Adani’s physical obstruction of our family at the sacred Doongmabulla Springs and their decade-long attack on our cultural authority.

First hearing: progress made, but Adani fights back

This week we had our first case management hearing before Justice Derrington. Our Springs obstruction case proceeded smoothly, while Adani raised technical objections to our vilification case – objections we anticipated and will address. We secured the court orders needed to advance both cases.

But Adani is taking this very seriously. They’ve now signalled they may try to have the matters ‘struck out’ before the next hearing on 12 February 2026.

This cuts to the core of what it means to be Aboriginal

For me and my family and our clan, this case is about more than Adani’s specific acts of discrimination. It’s about the embedded racism that allows corporations to impair our human rights, destroy our lands and waters, smash our culture, and denigrate us in the eyes of the world.

For over a decade, Adani has gotten away with it because mining companies in Australia face limited consequences for discriminating against Aboriginal people who defend their Country. We will not be silenced or pushed aside.

One family against a multi-billion dollar corporation

Your contributions have already given us what we needed to get this far: a top-tier legal team including senior and junior counsel, and extensive evidentiary work documenting Adani’s conduct.

But the real legal battle lies ahead as we file our full statements of claim and Adani deploys its vast resources to try to shut us down before we can be heard. This fight is a threat not only to the sacred, ancient Doongmabulla Springs, but also to our identity as Wangan & Jagalingou people.

Every contribution strengthens our hand. It means we can match their legal resources, maintain our expert team through the inevitable legal battles, and see this through to a judgment that holds Adani accountable.

This is just the beginning and we have many months to run. We’re in this to win, and we need you with us.

DONATE NOW

We’ll keep you updated as we file our full case against Adani.

In solidarity and with deep gratitude,

Adrian Burragubba
Senior Nagana Yarrbayn W&J Cultural Custodian

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1. “W&J Cultural Custodians launch Federal Court action against Adani”. 22 August, 2025. National Indigenous Times