Daily news digest February 25
Indigenous news in Australia for today highlights legal actions for environmental justice, political pushback on cultural protocols, and major sporting announcements.
Legal & Environmental Justice
Banjima Legal Action:
Banjima Traditional Owners have launched a $1.5 billion legal action against the Western Australian government. The lawsuit seeks compensation for the cleanup of toxic blue asbestos remnants in the Wittenoom area.
Savanna Fire Forum:
The Savanna Fire Forum concludes today on Larrakia Country in Darwin. Indigenous leaders and experts are discussing new global methodologies for savanna burning that integrate First Nations fire stewardship with carbon markets.
Flag Protocol Dispute:
Iris Troutman, founder of Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation, has called for a community protest at the Urana Council office. The action opposes a Federation Council proposal to remove Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from council chambers.
NT Appointment Controversy:
An open letter has been sent to the Prime Minister urging the urgent rescission of a controversial Northern Territory Administrator appointment.
Treaty Readiness:
The NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Harris has said that the State is currently “not ready” for a First Nations treaty.
Sport & Arts
AFL Academy Squads:
The AFL officially unveiled its Indigenous and Multicultural Academy squads today ahead of upcoming camps in Melbourne.
Basketball Tour:
A First Nations youth basketball team from PCYC NSW is making history with a commemorative tour of the United States.
National Tour:
Didgeridoo (yidaki) virtuoso William Barton begins a national tour today with the Brodsky Quartet, starting at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
SA Indigenous Landscape Board chair Brenz Saunders has resigned.
Social Issues
Landscape Board Resignation:
The chair of the SA Indigenous Landscape Board, Brenz Saunders, has resigned following an investigation into Telstra-related matters.
