Daily news digest April 19
Key Indigenous news in Australia includes significant calls for justice regarding deaths in custody, potential electoral reforms, and updates on remote community support.
Justice and Custody
National Crisis of Deaths in Custody:
Advocates are highlighting a “national crisis” as official figures show 33 Indigenous deaths in custody for the 2024/25 period, the highest number since 1979/80.
Amnesty International and Senator Lidia Thorpe are calling for national minimum standards to stop what they describe as “entrenched cycles of harm”.
Today marks a somber period with “no anniversary celebrations” for the royal commission report as incarceration rates remain a primary reform area.
Governance and Recognition
Electoral Map Reform: Submissions for a new electoral map include proposals for greater Indigenous recognition.
In Tasmania, advocates like Ms Mansell and Professor Pybus are pushing to rename the seat of Franklin to better reflect Aboriginal history and engage in “truth-telling”.
Truth-Telling Journey:
Travis Lovett is conducting a 500km “Walk for Truth” to remind the Prime Minister of his promise to establish a national First Nations truth-telling commission.
Community and Health
Free RSV Vaccinations:
The Federal government has announced that from May 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over will be eligible for free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations through the National Immunisation Program.
Remote Fuel Crisis:
Remote communities in the Northern Territory are appealing for targeted financial assistance to manage skyrocketing costs for food and fuel.
Renewables in the Pilbara:
A new renewables model is being launched in the Pilbara, led by Traditional Owners from The Cryogenics Group, aimed at ensuring Indigenous leaders have control over local projects and outcomes.
