Indigenous news in Australia for April 20 highlights significant legal milestones, ongoing justice investigations, and community achievements.

Justice and Land Rights

Broome Court Appearance:
Rabbit-Proof Fence star Everlyn Sampi is due to appear in Broome Magistrates Court today. She was charged with obstructing police during an incident where she was pushed to the ground by an officer.

Police Treatment of First Nations Children:
Legal experts are calling for a fundamental rethink of how NSW police interact with Indigenous children. Recent data highlights that only nine per cent of eligible Aboriginal people in NSW are diverted from court under current drug diversion schemes, compared to 25 per cent of non-Aboriginal people.

Crown Land Claim Delays:
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) and regional councils have expressed frustration over a “legislative logjam” with approximately 40,000 active Aboriginal land claims on Crown land across the state still awaiting judgement. Proposed changes to Crown Land laws were recently shelved following criticism that they undermined land rights.

Walk for Truth:
Travis Lovett has begun an 800km “Walk for Truth” to urge the Federal government to commit to the truth and treaty pillars of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, noting that while some States are progressing, national momentum has stalled.

Court Breakthrough for Cultural Rights:
Traditional custodians from the Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) Nagana Yarrbayn group have reported a major breakthrough regarding the Sacred Doongmabulla Springs.
The Court of Appeal confirmed that Aboriginal cultural rights are enforceable under the Queensland Human Rights Act, allowing their challenge against the state government to proceed in the Supreme Court.

Health and Family Support

Winter Flu Readiness:
Lung Foundation Australia is urging First Nations communities in NSW to prepare for winter by accessing flu vaccinations.

$350M Family Preservation Reform:
The NSW Government is rolling out major reforms to the child protection system. Over $350 million is being invested in partnership with AbSec to allow Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to lead the design and delivery of culturally grounded support services for families.

Community

Education Reform Report:
A new report, Moombaki Cultural Learnings, urges WA schools to go beyond “box-ticking” and implement genuine cultural safety measures and Noongar values in teaching

Television:
The new season of Living Black with Karla Grant premieres tonight, Monday, April 20, at 8:30pm on NITV.