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Daily news digest February 12

February 12, 2026

Major Indigenous news in Australia today is dominated by the annual Closing the Gap address and significant emergency weather events.

National Policy & Closing the Gap

Closing the Gap Address:
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered his annual address, revealing that only four of the seventeen targets are currently on track. He cautioned against declaring the policy a failure, stating that “failure is a word for those who have stopped trying”.

Healthcare Funding:
The Federal Government announced a $144 million upgrade for Indigenous health clinics. This includes a $20 million boost specifically for community-controlled health services to address life expectancy disparities.

Target Performance:
Areas showing progress include preschool enrolment (on track for 95 per cent) and birth weights. However, critical areas like suicide rates, adult incarceration, and children in out-of-home care are either stalled or worsening.

Stolen Generations Anniversary:
Today marks the lead-up to the 18th anniversary of the National Apology. Discussions have focused on the need for a national Truth-Telling process and better support for survivors.

Regional News & Events

Emergency Flooding:
Daly River, NT: Roughly 300 people have been evacuated to Darwin as floodwaters inundated the township, with roads and airstrips currently underwater.

Mparntwe (Alice Springs):
Severe flooding has also impacted the region, closing schools for all but essential workers.

Community Events:
In Magandjin (Brisbane), the “For the Community” event is being held today to bring First Nations youth together for cultural connection and support.

Academic Appointment:
Renowned archaeologist Chris Clarkson, known for his work on the earliest occupation records of First Australians, has joined Griffith University to lead new rock art heritage research.

Justice & Rights

Terror Investigation:
The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader condemned an alleged attempted bombing of an Invasion Day rally, which police are now prosecuting as a terror incident motivated by “racism and hatred”.

Imprisonment Disparity:
New data released today highlights a continuing and “grim” disparity in Indigenous imprisonment rates across several States.

Peter Rowe

Peter Rowe leads First Nations News as Editor, with over three decades of experience across international newsrooms, digital platforms and media strategy roles. For the past 20 years, he’s worked in Australia – reporting, editing and advising on stories that shape public debate.