Daily news digest May 24
Indigenous news in Australia today centres on widespread criticism of the Northern Territory government’s child protection review and concerns over a worsening diphtheria outbreak in remote communities.
Child Protection & Justice Controversies
NT Child Protection Review Under Fire:
The Northern Territory government’s sweeping child safety review following the tragic death of five-year-old Warlpiri girl Kumanjayi Little Baby is facing heavy backlash. First Nations leaders, including National Commissioner for Indigenous Children and Professor Marcia Langton, have condemned the inquiry’s structure. Critics argue the NT government is repeating past mistakes by failing to adequately partner with Aboriginal families and organisations.
Child Placement Principle Threatened:
Peak bodies and the First Peoples’ Commissioners are calling on the NT government to halt proposed amendments that could weaken the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle. Advocates and Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy warn that making it easier to separate children from family and culture risks severe, long-term harm.
48-Hour Detention Warning:
Legal groups and advocates continue to slam separate new NT laws allowing police to hold youth for 48 hours, warning it will heavily funnel more Aboriginal children into the prison system.
Health & Community Infrastructure
Remote Diphtheria Outbreak:
Australia’s largest recorded diphtheria outbreak is actively spreading through remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, highlighting critical gaps in regional healthcare access.
Housing Crisis Failure:
The NT’s peak body for Aboriginal housing has strongly criticised State and Federal ministers for failing to attend a crucial conference aimed at addressing severe overcrowding, black mould, and broken infrastructure in remote government-owned homes.
A row of social housing dwellings in the remote town of Gapuwiyak, Northern Territory, Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Waitlists for social housing in remote Northern Territory communities continue to blow out, as families battle overcrowding and dilapidated homes. (AAP Image/Neve Brissenden) NO ARCHIVING
Cultural Heritage, Reconciliation, & Arts
Oral History Exhibition Launches:
A major new exhibition combining artificial intelligence-powered modelling with the oral histories of six Menang-Noongar elders has opened at the State Library of Western Australia. The project brings fresh light to pre-colonial history in Albany-Kinjarling.
Aboriginal Remembrance Service Anniversary:
Organisers are finalising preparations for the 20th anniversary of the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service upcoming on 31 May. The annual service honours the historical and ongoing sacrifices of Indigenous servicemen and women.
Federal Racism Inquiry:
Submissions closing for the Federal inquiry into racism show an overwhelming response from Indigenous individuals and organisations. Data highlights a dramatic, deeply damaging rise in racism directed at First Nations people, particularly across online platforms and devices.
