Daily news digest March 12
Today’s Indigenous news is headlined by a major report on workplace racism, a scathing audit of the NSW prison system, and a Traditional Owner delegation to Canberra.
Justice and Incarceration
NSW Prison Audit:
A scathing NSW Audit Office report released today found that Corrective Services NSW and Youth Justice NSW have failed to meet “Closing the Gap” obligations.
Record Highs:
First Nations people now account for almost 34 per cent of the adult prison population in NSW, despite making up only 3.4 per cent of the general population.
Systemic Failure:
The audit found agencies failed to track spending or outcomes for strategies aimed at reducing over-representation.
Death in Custody Records:
Data revealed that Australia recorded 33 Indigenous deaths in custody in 2024/25, the highest number since record-keeping began in 1979.
Workplace and Society
Gari Yala 2 Report:
New research titled “Gari Yala 2 (Speak the Truth)” reveals that 60 per cent of Indigenous employees experience racism in Australian workplaces.
Slow Progress:
Experts estimate it could take 118 years to eliminate racial slurs and jokes from the workplace at the current rate of change.
Land and Environment
Buffel Grass Delegation:
A delegation of Traditional Owners from the APY Lands and Central Australia is in Canberra today to urge Federal action against buffel grass, which they describe as a “silent creeping killer” of Country.
Disaster Relief:
Disaster assistance has been expanded across the Top End following historic flooding in communities like Katherine and Beswick.
Culture and Sport
Indigenous Literacy:
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation launched the 2026 Great Book Swap, featuring the Bunuba story Winthali: Fire to promote literacy and language preservation.
Cricket:
Anika Learoyd has been signed by Somerset CCC for a stint in the English domestic cricket season.
