Daily news digest: February 4
Today’s Indigenous news highlights significant research on health disparities, ongoing community unrest in the Northern Territory, and major investments in First Nations-led environmental projects.
Health & Research
World Cancer Day Research:
New research released today reveals that First Nations Australians are dying from blood cancer at significantly higher rates and at a much younger age than non-Indigenous Australians. The study, led by the University of Queensland, found First Nations patients are up to five times more likely to die from the disease.
NSW Aboriginal Cancer Strategy:
New South Wales has officially unveiled its first Aboriginal Cancer Strategy to address these specific health gaps and improve care pathways.
Community & Justice
Wadeye Unrest:
In the Northern Territory, there are urgent calls for relocations to tribal homelands to curb ongoing clan fighting in Wadeye. Recent brawls involving over 100 people have seen cars torched and weapons like crossbows and spears seized by police.
Domestic Violence Laws:
The NT Government has announced an increase in the non-parole period to 25 years for domestic violence-related murders, following a scathing coronial report on systemic failures.
Victorian ACCO Campaign:
A new “Start Something Deadly” campaign has launched in Victoria to encourage careers within Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), focusing on self-determination in child and family services.
Environment & Culture
$81M Carbon Pledge:
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and River Capital have pledged $81 million for a First Nations carbon project. This includes a high-integrity timber and carbon credit project on the Tiwi Islands designed to support local self-determination.
Cultural Archives:
The University of Western Australia’s Berndt Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary by re-engaging with the Birrundudu Drawings, a vast archive of desert cultural heritage being shared with the descendants of the original artists.
National Politics & Advocacy
Parliamentary Condemnation:
Federal Parliament has officially condemned an attempted bomb attack at an Invasion Day rally in Perth, acknowledging the profound emotional toll and harm caused to the First Nations community.
