"We don't have the privilege of being bored:" Walker inquest draws to a close

A long-running inquest into the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker finished taking evidence this week. One of the last people it heard from was former police officer Zachary Rolfe - who said he was "bored" with the process. NIRS spoke to Warlpiri woman Samara Fernandez-Brown about how the inquest h…

Thousands of children still burdened with heavy COVID-19 fines

Thousands of children were the targets of heavy-handed policing during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report has shown.  NIRS spoke to experts who compiled data showing Indigenous children were among those who were slapped with fines of up to $5000 during lockdowns.  Other highlights include: Calls…

DOCS agencies potenially facing class action for discrimation

Shine Lawyers are investigating a class action against the WA Department of Communities and other child protection agencies in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia for the removal of Indigenous children from their families.   The no-win-no-fee law firm has already filed two separate compla…

Yoorook Commission calls on Victorian Police to put words into action

Victoria's Police Commissioner agrees to implement 79 recommendations from the Yoorrook Justice Commission including apologising for its role in the Stolen Generations.  But Yoorrook Justice Commissioner Travis Lovett says police commitment and the apology need to be backed up by action.    Other …

Larrakia in a stoush with the government to protect sacred site

The battle to preserve a sacred site on land earmarked for defence housing came to a head this week in the Northern Territory.  Larrakia Custodians tried to block bulldozers from clearing land at Darwin's Lee Point/Binybara resulting in more than 20 arrests.  NIRS spoke to Larrakia Elder and custod…

Queensland Path to Treaty takes next steps

Queensland’s Truth-Telling and Healing inquiry is set to begin on July 1 after the confirmation of its five-person panel. Waanyi-Kalkadoon barrister Joshua Creamer has been announced as Chair of the inquiry. The panel will also include former Supreme court Justice Roslyn Atkinson, Cheryl Buchanan…

Australia's "broken" environment laws

The Federal government has created two powerful new bodies designed to oversee the protection of the environment.  While the new bodies have been welcome Labor is copping criticism over delayed promised.   NIRS spoke to conservation groups and traditional owners for their reaction.   Other highl…

Damaged cultural heritage and huge emissions: why Traditional Owners are worried about this huge gas project

A two-day Senate inquiry into the health, environmental and cultural impacts of the proposed Middle Arm gas precinct, just outside of Darwin, wrapped up this week.  Larrakia Traditional owners are concerned about the impacts of the project on cultural heritage - including precious rock art, songli…

Beetaloo traditional owners concerned about changes to water legislation

Beetaloo Traditional Owners raise concerns about the Federal Government flagging changes to water trigger legislation.  National Indigenous Radio Service spoke with Nurrdalinji Native Title Corporation Chairperson Uncle Samuel Sandy Other highlights:   North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (N…

Calls to overhaul controversial Centrepay debit system

An Indigenous financial counselling and consumer advocacy group wants greater scrunity of businesses using Centrepay debit system.  Mob Strong Debt Help counsellor  Bettina Cooper says they've noticed a trend of businesses overcharging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander on welfare.    Other hig…