Daily news digest February 27
Indigenous news highlights for today includes significant legal victories for Traditional Owners, new leadership in Indigenous screen strategy, and initiatives for local government partnerships.
Mining
McArthur River Mine Compensation:
In a major ruling, a court has ordered the Northern Territory government to pay Traditional Owners more than $54 million in compensation regarding the McArthur River Mine.
Policy & Partnerships
Closing the Gap Toolkit:
A new online toolkit has been launched to assist NSW local councils in meeting Closing the Gap targets through formal partnerships and shared decision-making with Aboriginal communities.
Family Violence Symposium:
Over 70 national leaders gathered in Sydney for the 2026 Family Violence Symposium, focusing on reforms to enhance safety and equitable access to justice for priority populations, including First Nations people.
Indigenous Procurement Policy:
The Australian Government continues to implement updated Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) measures aimed at ensuring economic benefits flow directly to First Nations businesses.
Filmmaker Rachel Perkins.
Arts, Media & Culture
Screen Australia Strategy:
Renowned filmmaker Rachel Perkins has been appointed as the Director of First Nations Strategy at Screen Australia, where she will lead the agency’s First Nations Department.
Enlighten Festival:
The National Gallery of Australia’s National Indigenous Art Triennial is featured as part of the Enlighten Festival in Canberra, showcasing “Rain stories from desert Country”.
Sports
Cricket:
Indigenous star Ashleigh Gardner helped lead Australia to a dominant victory over India in Brisbane, taking 3-33 as the team looks to repeat their performance in upcoming matches.
Rugby League:
Former Indigenous All-Star Bevan French scored a try for Wigan Warriors in their convincing Super League win over Leigh in the UK, while coach Adrian Lam lamented his team’s performance.
