Daily news digest May 25
Key Indigenous affairs news across Australia today, includes significant developments in healthcare, funding accountability, housing grants, and political leadership.
Health & Community Care
Earlier Stroke Screening Recommended:
A major new systematic review published today reveals that Indigenous Australians develop atrial fibrillation nearly 16 years earlier than other Australians. Experts are calling for national guidelines to lower the screening age to 55 years old to prevent strokes linked to intergenerational trauma and chronic disease.
Diphtheria Outbreak Response:
Indigenous health ministers have issued an urgent national call to boost vaccination rates following a record outbreak of diphtheria in remote communities.
Aged Care Leadership Change:
First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly has officially stepped down from her role, according to a statement released by Minister for Aged Care Sam Rae.
Medical Training Expansion:
The University of Queensland has announced an ambitious new program aiming to double its intake of Indigenous medical students by 2030.
Funding & Infrastructure
NT Remote Services Funding Under Scrutiny:
Newly released documents have sparked controversy, revealing that no funding has been spent under the Federal government’s $842 million Northern Territory remote Aboriginal services agreement.
Indigenous Housing Boost:
Kimberley Manufacturing Pty Ltd, a 100% Indigenous-owned business, has secured a $5 million grant from the Western Australian Housing Innovation Fund. The funding will directly deliver new homes and local jobs across WA’s northern region.
Culture & Country
Culturally Significant Entities (CSEs):
The National Environmental Science Program (NESP News) launched a new national framework to recognise and protect plants, animals, and ecosystems of high cultural value to First Nations people. Developed by Curtin University and 300 Indigenous participants, it aims to safely embed traditional knowledge into environmental decision-making.
Burial on Country:
Plans were finalised to return the remains of an Aboriginal stockman to Country for a traditional burial. His remains had been kept in a museum for 60 years after he passed away.
