National Indigenous Radio Service's (NIRS) weekly wrap of First Nations stories. It takes a look at issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia and at First Nations matters around the globe.

National Indigenous Radio Service's (NIRS) weekly wrap of First Nations stories. It takes a look at issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia and at First Nations matters around the globe.

Weekly News In Review

National Indigenous Radio’s Weekly News-in-Review takes an in-depth look at the issues affecting First Nations communities around Australia.

National Indigenous Radio’s Weekly News-in-Review takes an in-depth look at the issues affecting First Nations communities around Australia.

National Indigenous News Review - 16 March 2026

Progress on Closing the Gap has varied according to new data from the Productivity Commission.

Only four of the 19 targets are on track to meet the 20-31 deadline. 

Five others are improving but they won't Close to Gap within the timeline. 

There's no new data for some targets, others are worsening and some haven't moved from their baseline. 

Also in this Week’s Episode:

A national inquiry into Australia’s youth justice system hears from the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

This week’s episode is presented by Harrison Pedersen.

Progress on Closing the Gap has varied according to new data from the Productivity Commission.
Only four of the 19 targets are on track to meet the 20-31 deadline.&nbsp;
Five others are improving but they won't Close to Gap within the timeline.&nbsp;
There's no new data for some targets, others are worsening and some haven't moved from their baseline.&nbsp;
Also in this Week&rsquo;s Episode:
A national inquiry into Australia&rsquo;s youth justice system hears from the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
This week&rsquo;s episode is presented by Harrison Pedersen.

Closing the Gap data finds mixed progress on tackling Indigenous disadvantage

Some communities in the Northern Territory were cut off by flood waters this week, prompting concerns around access to safe drinking water.

The communities of Barunga and Wugularr were considering using a helicopter to fly bottled water in.

Other Highlights:
A Traditional Owner group in Queensland is taking the State Government to the Supreme Court, alleging they have failed to protect their human rights.
Youth mental health organisation Headspace and the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health open a new centre dedicated to Indigenous youth mental health.

Some communities in the Northern Territory were cut off by flood waters this week, prompting concerns around access to safe drinking water.
The communities of Barunga and Wugularr were considering using a helicopter to fly bottled water in.
Other Highlights:
<ul>
<li>A Traditional Owner group in Queensland is taking the State Government to the Supreme Court, alleging they have failed to protect their human rights.</li>
<li>Youth mental health organisation Headspace and the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health open a new centre dedicated to Indigenous youth mental health.</li>
</ul>

Flooding in the Northern Territory  leads to water insecurity

The Federal Government is investigating the rise in racism and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. 

The inquiry is being conducted by The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. It will report back to the government in September. 

The inquiry is urging Indigenous people who have experienced violence and racism to come forward. 


Other stories in this week's episode. 
The Race Discrimination Commissioner calls for the Federal Government to implement a national anti-racism framework. 
And health and safety concerns are rising over 40-thousand cubic metres of asbestos piled up near homes in two New South Wales Indigenous communities. 

This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen

The Federal Government is investigating the rise in racism and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.&nbsp;
The inquiry is being conducted by The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. It will report back to the government in September.&nbsp;
The inquiry is urging Indigenous people who have experienced violence and racism to come forward.&nbsp;
 Other stories in this week's episode.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>The Race Discrimination Commissioner calls for the Federal Government to implement a national anti-racism framework.&nbsp;</li>
<li>And health and safety concerns are rising over 40-thousand cubic metres of asbestos piled up near homes in two New South Wales Indigenous communities.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen

National Indigenous News Review - 16 March 2026

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