Daily news digest February 3

Key Indigenous news stories in Australia on Tuesday, February 3.

Safety and Justice Concerns

Bomb Attack Investigation:
Senator Lidia Thorpe is set to introduce a motion in Parliament condemning an “attack on First Peoples” at a January 26 Invasion Day rally in Perth. A 31-year-old man remains in custody after allegedly throwing an undetonated explosive device containing nails and ball bearings into a crowd of approximately 2,500 people.

Calls for Action:
First Nations leaders have welcomed the classification of the incident as a potential terrorist act, expressing that the incident has left many feeling their safety is not prioritised.

Leadership and Appointments

UN Representation:
Nyiyaparli woman Jahna Cedar, from WA, (main picture) has been selected to join the Australian delegation to the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

WA Leadership Graduates:
Indigenous public servants have graduated from the Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute (WAALI) programs, specifically the Yorga Djenna Bidi (women’s) and Maaman Djenna Koorl (men’s) programs, to drive community change.

Environment and Heritage

Ranger Mine Rehabilitation:
A new deal has been reached to ensure extensive rehabilitation of the Ranger uranium mine in Kakadu.

Kakadu Airport Closure:
The main airport servicing Kakadu National Park is slated for demolition, raising concerns among local communities.

Esperance Bay Tribute:
A tribute has been erected for 75 Indigenous workers at Esperance Bay Station in Western Australia, over 160 years after the initial white settlement.

Other News

Tasmanian Youth Detention Strike:
Staff at the troubled Ashley Youth Detention Centre in Tasmania are striking due to safety risks and understaffing.

Abalone Trafficking Charges Dropped:
Charges against seven Aboriginal men from the NSW South Coast, accused of illegal trafficking, have been withdrawn.