Share Article

Daily news digest March 13

March 13, 2026

Today, news related to Indigenous affairs in Australia focuses on health initiatives, legal developments, and cultural milestones.

Health & Community

Nutrition Workforce Program:
A new partnership has been announced to support a First Nations nutrition workforce in remote North Queensland. This program aims to employ local community members as “Good Food People” to provide nutritional advice and improve food security.

Cervical Cancer Screening:
New research indicates that efforts to eliminate cervical cancer among Indigenous women are currently 12 years behind government targets. The federal government is addressing this with a $48.2 million investment to improve culturally safe screening and self-collection options.

Diabetes Management:
A low-carb “good eating” program on Ngarrindjeri Country is actively tackling diabetes and metabolic syndrome within the community.

Politics & Law

Treaty in NSW:
Discussions continue regarding a treaty in New South Wales, with leaders questioning whether the state government is prepared for the structural changes required.

Inquiry into Racism:
A Federal parliamentary inquiry is examining rising racism and hate targeting Indigenous people. The Joint Standing Committee is accepting submissions until May 1, 2026.

Culture

Culinary Arts:
Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo is releasing a cookbook that celebrates decades of Indigenous culinary craft and the role of Elders in preserving cultural knowledge through food.

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.