Daily news digest June 24
Key Indigenous affairs headlines today focus heavily on critical structural changes in aged care, legal and environmental actions at the international level, and community advocacy across the country.
Aged Care Policy & Leadership
New Commissioner Appointed:
Kamilaroi woman Jodi Cassar has been appointed as the incoming First Nations Commissioner, functioning as an interim leader tasked with driving crucial First Nations aged care reforms across the sector.
Stolen Generations Care Project:
A new truth-telling research project has been launched to bridge a “gap within the gap” regarding health and wellbeing outcomes for elderly survivors. The project aligns with recent federal decisions to exempt survivors’ redress payments from means testing in residential aged care facilities.
International Legal Action
UN Human Rights Filing:
10 Australians, including prominent Indigenous advocates, have filed a landmark “Hard Truths” case with the United Nations. The petition targets Australia’s ongoing coal and gas exports, arguing the environmental impacts violate human rights and disproportionately threaten Indigenous lands and culture.
Community, Arts & Culture
QShowcase Arts Market:
The First Nations-led multidisciplinary production Ya’Djin Spirit Women took centre stage at the arts market and conference in Logan. Driven by a collective of domestic and sexual violence survivors, the work highlights colonial violence, truth-telling, and healing.
Sports & Regional Updates
First Nations Netball:
Victoria’s First Nations state netball squad has commenced formal preparation for the upcoming tournament. Standing stars Holly Stephens and Chloe Eyre have also been selected to debut nationally for the First Nations Black Swans in July’s international Spirit Series.
Pilbara Infrastructure Demands:
The Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia has issued an urgent demand for improved infrastructure and housing solutions, noting that current social housing efforts are failing to keep pace with the needs of remote communities.
Missing Persons Advocacy
Monique Clubb Reward Push:
The family of Monique Clubb, a proud Aboriginal woman who went missing in June 2013 after traveling from Hervey Bay to Brisbane, has launched a renewed public petition pushing for a $1 million reward to break the decade-long cold case.
