Daily news digest June 20

Indigenous news on June 20 highlights major funding cuts to Native Title bodies, local self-determination initiatives, and controversies regarding Indigenous leadership roles in Queensland.

Native Title Funding Cuts:
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is facing heavy criticism after enacting significant funding cuts of up to 24 per cent to Native Title services across Australia. Representative bodies, such as the Central Desert Native Title Services, revealed that the NIAA did not share its new funding formula until the decisions were finalised. The cuts are set to take effect on July 1, though the government has committed $409.6 million over the next three years to the sector.

Queensland Leadership Controversies:
Queensland’s Arts Minister, John-Paul Langbroek, remains tight-lipped following the disappearance of eight Indigenous directors from South East Queensland boards. This comes amid broader accusations against the state government regarding a pattern internally dubbed “Project Invisibility,” which critics claim is a deliberate effort to remove Aboriginal people from key leadership roles. These concerns intensified following the non-reappointment of Natalie Lewis to the Queensland Family and Child Commission.

Community and Culture Milestones

Self-Determination in NSW:
The Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation launched the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Mechanism (ACCM), a new local initiative establishing independent, Aboriginal-led decision-making for family and child services in central-west New South Wales.

Language Preservation:
The University of Melbourne’s 50 Words Project achieved a critical milestone by documenting audio recordings for 50 words across 100 different First Languages to preserve and revitalise endangered languages.

BHP Infrastructure Spend:
Mining giant BHP announced a record $160 million regional infrastructure investment package, including an $80 million upgrade to Hedland Senior High School in Western Australia, which serves a 41 percent Indigenous student demographic.

Political Debates

Federal politics:
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has ignited fierce debate after delivering a combative National Press Club address where she pledged to completely abolish the NIAA if elected. Concurrently, Northern Territory Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has renewed her public calls for an independent audit into overall spending on Indigenous affairs.