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Daily news digest February 6

February 6, 2026

Today’s Indigenous news in Australia features significant developments in human rights research, legal responses to racial violence, and community safety during extreme weather.

Justice & Human Right

Prone Restraint Disparity:
New research from the University of Queensland reveals that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are being held in prone restraint (face-down) for longer periods than non-Indigenous Australians, often exceeding the safe three-minute guideline. Experts are calling for an urgent review of law enforcement and custodial practices.

Terrorism Charges Declared:
Senator Lidia Thorpe has criticised the Federal response to the attempted bombing of a January 26 Invasion Day rally in Perth on January 26, calling for decisive action against growing racist hate.

Goulburn Prison in NSW.

Custody Rates:
Recent data continues to show that Indigenous adults in NSW represent more than one-third of the prison population, with rates of incarceration remaining at record highs.

Heritage Act Overhaul:
Anticipation is high as Tasmania prepares for a promised overhaul of the 50-year-old Aboriginal Heritage Act, expected by March. The community is pushing for stronger enforcement to prevent further vandalism of sites like those recently reported at Wybalenna and Trial Harbour.

Treaty & Truth-Telling:
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre continues to reaffirm its call for a formal Treaty, criticizing the government’s current Truth-telling and Healing Commission as insufficient without accompanying land returns.

Amazing art by Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo.

Culture & Sport

Perth Festival Highlights:
The Perth Festival is celebrating First Nations artists with major light and sound installations by artists like Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo and Karla Bidi. Special “Mob Tix” are being offered to encourage community attendance.

Youth Football Showcase:
John Moriarty Football is set to host a life-changing showcase for young Indigenous talent on the eve of the World Cup, aimed at providing global scouting opportunities.

Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship:
The Facon Magazine scholarship has officially returned for 2026, offering a platform for Indigenous voices in literature and media.

Peter Rowe

Peter Rowe leads First Nations News as Editor, with over three decades of experience across international newsrooms, digital platforms and media strategy roles. For the past 20 years, he’s worked in Australia – reporting, editing and advising on stories that shape public debate.