Daily news digest March 4
Indigenous news today focuses on the legislative progress of the historic Victorian Treaty and ongoing community responses to January’s nationwide Invasion Day rallies.
Key National Updates
Family Violence Funding:
The federal government recently announced a $220 million plan specifically targeted at ending Indigenous family violence.
Crisis Support Surge:
Data from Lifeline’s 13YARN shows a significant spike in calls following the March for Australia protests held earlier this year.
Federal Inquiry:
Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential for the Antisemitism Royal Commission to expand its scope to investigate racism against Indigenous Australians.
Recent Legal & Security Developments
Invasion Day Rally Incident:
Investigations continue into a 31-year-old man arrested during a January rally in Perth. He faces charges related to possessing explosives and acts intended to endanger life, with authorities treating the incident as a potential terrorist act.
Camp Sovereignty Attack:
Counter-terrorism police remain involved in the investigation of a violent far-right attack on the Camp Sovereignty sacred site in Melbourne’s Kings Domain, which occurred during anti-immigration protests.
Advocacy & Policy
Treaty Negotiations:
Following the landmark signing of a formal treaty framework in Victoria late last year, the First Peoples’ Assembly is continuing negotiations for state-wide outcomes.
“Change the Date” Movement:
Community leaders and elders are using the momentum from this year’s record-breaking Invasion Day turnouts to renew calls for the official recognition of January 26th as a national Day of Mourning.
