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 - 30 March 2026

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in New South Wales are less likely to enter drug diversion programs than non-Indigenous people.

New data released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows only nine per cent of eligible Indigenous people were referred to the state's Early Drug Diversion Initiative.

The figure for non-Indigenous people was much higher at 25 per cent.

Other Highlights:
Widjabul Wia-bul Bundjalung elder Rhoda Roberts AO has been farewelled this week in Lismore.
Concerns remain for mob in Doomadgee which has been cut off by flooding since December.
New research has found thylacines may have roamed mainland Australia more recently than first thought.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in New South Wales are less likely to enter drug diversion programs than non-Indigenous people.
New data released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows only nine per cent of eligible Indigenous people were referred to the state's Early Drug Diversion Initiative.
The figure for non-Indigenous people was much higher at 25 per cent.
Other Highlights:
<ul>
<li>Widjabul Wia-bul Bundjalung elder Rhoda Roberts AO has been farewelled this week in Lismore.</li>
<li>Concerns remain for mob in Doomadgee which has been cut off by flooding since December.</li>
<li>New research has found thylacines may have roamed mainland Australia more recently than first thought.</li>
</ul>

Indigenous people in NSW are less likely to enter drug diversion programs

Rising fuel prices are making it harder for Indigenous mothers and their babies to get food, medicine and health care in remote areas in the Northern Territory. 

Charles Darwin University Professor of Indigenous Health and Nyikena Yawuru woman, Yvette Roe says health outcomes will plummet unless a steady supply of fuel reaches communities.

Also in this week’s episode:
The Senate has passed a bill supporting the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People. 
The Mayor of Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council calls for help after being isolated by flood waters. 
And the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria election is underway. It's the first poll during the state’s Treaty era.

This Week’s episode is presented by Harrison Pedersen.  

Rising fuel prices are making it harder for Indigenous mothers and their babies to get food, medicine and health care in remote areas in the Northern Territory.&nbsp;
Charles Darwin University Professor of Indigenous Health and Nyikena Yawuru woman, Yvette Roe says health outcomes will plummet unless a steady supply of fuel reaches communities.
Also in this week&rsquo;s episode:
<ul>
<li>The Senate has passed a bill supporting the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The Mayor of Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council calls for help after being isolated by flood waters.&nbsp;</li>
<li>And the First Peoples&rsquo; Assembly of Victoria election is underway. It's the first poll during the state&rsquo;s Treaty era.</li>
</ul>
This Week&rsquo;s episode is presented by Harrison Pedersen. &nbsp;

Indigenous mothers and babies face food and medicine shortages in the NT

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.

National Indigenous News Review - 30 March 2026

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