Tony Abbott: 'no evidence' Indigenous Australians face justice system discrimination

Former prime minister contradicts evidence of systemic discrimination, claiming higher crime rates account for disproportionate incarceration

Tony Abbott has incorrectly claimed there is no evidence" the justice system discriminates against Indigenous Australians, attributing disproportionate rates of incarceration of Indigenous people to a higher offending rate".

The former prime minister and special envoy for Indigenous affairs made the comments to the Sun Herald on Sunday, in contradiction of evidence of systemic discrimination, as Australia's political leaders grapple with mass rallies for racial equality amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Abbott was made a companion of the Order of Australia earlier this month for his eminent service ... to the Indigenous community" among other things.