Daily news digest March 7
Indigenous news for today is dominated by a major federal inquiry into racism and significant health and economic developments across Australia.
National Racism Inquiry
The Australian government has launched a parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate, and violence directed at First Nations people.
Context: The inquiry, requested by Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy, follows a reported rise in online and physical threats.
Catalysts: Key incidents cited include an alleged terror attack at a protest in Perth on January 26 and an attack on an Indigenous protest camp in Melbourne in 2025.
Timeline: The committee is accepting submissions until May 1.
Health & Justice
Deaths in Custody:
A NSW coroner has expressed serious concern after record-high Indigenous deaths in custody were reported for 2025. The coroner highlighted that the number of First Nations people in custody increased by nearly 19 per cent over the last five years.
Medical Milestone:
Josiah Little has become Australia’s first male Aboriginal Health Practitioner to be credentialed as a Diabetes Educator, focusing on reducing health equity gaps in Indigenous communities.
Economic & Community News
Remote Jobs:
A new Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) grant round opened today, aiming to fund 1,300 jobs in remote communities.
Food Security:
A milestone was reached with 100 remote stores now joined in a government scheme that has reduced the cost of staple items by up to 50 per cent.
Ranger Initiatives:
Kimberley rangers shared successful strategies for eradicating feral cattle and managing donkeys to protect native vegetation in the Dambimangari Indigenous Protected Area.
