Daily news digest April 13

Several significant Indigenous news stories have developed across Australia, focused on justice, land rights, and historical remains.

Justice & Human Rights

Discrimination Claims in NSW:
The Australian Human Rights Commission has recently accepted a complaint from several First Nations families regarding an incident a year ago at an Inverell public pool, where they were allegedly escorted out by police following claims of “misbehaviour”.

Deaths in Custody Crisis:
Recent data reveals First Nations people made up 29 per cent of all deaths in custody during the 2024–25 period, the highest proportion in over two decades.

Land & Heritage

Indigenous Remains on Wadjemup:
Human remains found during construction on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) have been officially confirmed as having Indigenous ancestry and are historical in nature. Indigenous leaders are calling for strengthened protections for the island.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta Lease:
Traditional Owners have agreed to significant tweaks to the 99-year lease of the national park, which will double their revenue share and increase local job guarantees.

Tasmanian Legal Bid:
A magistrate’s court in Tasmania is considering a landmark application to allow evidence to be heard directly on culturally significant land.

Community & Achievement

Redress for Stolen Generations:
Survivors in Western Australia are set to receive $85,000 reparations under a new redress scheme.

Young Educator Award:
Tayha Duggan-Hill, a 25-year-old making an impact in the Northern Territory, has emerged as a top contender for the Young Aboriginal Educator Award.

Design Excellence:
Boonwurrung Elder Professor N’arwee’t Carolyn Briggs AM was recently inducted into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame.