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News digest January 20

January 20, 2026

Key Indigenous news stories for January 20, include parliamentary tributes to terror victims, legal battles over land protection, and ongoing debates surrounding “Invasion Day”.

Parliamentary Condolences

Bondi Attack Victims:
First Nations politicians, including Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy, offered condolences in a special sitting of federal parliament. McCarthy, a Yanyuwa Garrwa woman, expressed specific solidarity with the Jewish community following the antisemitic terror incident that claimed 15 lives.

Senator Lidia Thorpe has proposed a gun reform amendment.

Legal and Political Advocacy

Tasmanian Forest Case:
Yorta Yorta / Dja Dja Wurrung woman Ruth Langford is appearing in Hobart Magistrates Court today for activism to protect native forests. She is calling on the court to hear her evidence directly “on Country,” asserting unceded sovereignty and First Nations Law.

Gun Reform Proposal:
Senator Lidia Thorpe has proposed a gun reform amendment aimed at tracking police weapons.

Deaths in Custody Inquiry:
A committee has officially called for an Indigenous-led inquiry into deaths in custody. This follows recent incidents, including a coronial finding regarding a “catastrophic” medical error leading to the death of a 48-year-old grandmother in the Northern Territory.

Protests and “Invasion Day”

Rally Restrictions:
NSW Police are currently deciding whether to allow an upcoming “Invasion Day” rally. Protesters have been warned that restrictions passed after the Bondi attack give police the power to prosecute for obstructing public spaces.

National Day of Mourning:
While the federal government has announced a day of mourning for the Bondi victims this Thursday, First Nations advocates like Ms. Jarrett are urging for the recognition of their own long-standing national day of mourning held since 1938.

Rebecca McGuinness

Government & Community Initiatives

Dharawal Country Experience:
A new digital installation featuring a nine-screen video array has been launched in Wollongong, showcasing the history and stories of Dharawal Elders.

Corporate Leadership:
Proud Dunghutti woman Rebecca McGuinness has been appointed as the new head of the Indigenous consultancy firm, Murawin.

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.