Weekly News In Review

Planned vists by an UN expert to investigate the conditions of two youth detention centres in Queensland and the Northern Territory have been blocked.  Both jurisdictions are facing criticism over their decision to stop the United Nations special rapporteur on Indigenous peoples from visiting facilities in Townsville and Darwin.  It comes on the top of a Queensland Ombudsman investigation into youth detention centres which exposed 90 per cent of detainees were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Also in this episode.  More young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are ambitious about their financial future, according to IBA's latest Impact report; The U-S elects its first female Native American governor and senator; and  Wanjuru Rangers are taking part in the biggest ever coral spawning field trial on the Great Barrier Reef.  This week's episode is presented by Harrison Pedersen.

Food charity, Foodbank Australia, has found more than 50 percent of First Nations households are food insecure.  Of those, around 40 percent are facing severe food insecurity, meaning someone is not eating.  Foodbank Australia CEO, Kylea Tink says their latest report shows the figures are higher than last year. To tackle to rise of racism in Australia, the Human Rights Commission is rolling out an anti-racism data plan.  Race Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, told NIRS they're going ahead with or without the Australian government.     Also in this episode: Why are Indigenous men less likely to visit a health clinic or doctor?  What are the barriers and solutions for health providers?  A Queensland mayor calls for a review of alcohol management plans. This episode is hosted by Karen Dorante.          

The Finocchario government has accepted all 45 recommendations from an independent review commissioned following the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby. The review has been generally welcomed but some say it should have gone further. Other Highlights: Political violence has been condemned widely following alleged attacks targeting two female politicians. An increase in homelessness is expected due to the Northern Territory's latest housing policy. This episode is presented by Adam Evans.

Legal services and women's safety advocates in the Northern Territory say changes to suppression laws for sexual offences may hurt some victims. They're calling for the Northern Territory Government to listen to victims and their support services Other Highlights: Dialysis patients, homeless Territorians and families fleeing violence lost a roof over their heads this week in Darwin. Language experts meet to discuss language revitalisation, teaching and learning. Queensland's first Aboriginal doctor will hang up his stethoscope after more than 30 years in primary health care. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

The Minister for Indigenous Australians has questioned why the Pilbara, such a hub of wealth for the country, is experiencing food insecurity. It's one of the key topics at a recent community round table on child protection in Western Australia. Other Highlights: Critics have described the closure of a temporary accommodation in Darwin as a blatant move to shift Indigenous people out of Darwin. A new study shows the effect colonisation has had on Australia's woodlands and the fire risk they pose. This episode is presented by Adam Evans.

A community roundtable in Perth has called for the Western Australian government to legislate a dedicated state commissioner for Indigenous children, with real power to monitor and advance First Nations rights across the state. It's also called for an independent peak body representing Aboriginal children and families to improve coordination and accountability. Other Highlights: Researchers from Adelaide University say rising seas and the loss of cultural heritage is causing climate grief in Australia and Pacific nations. Marranunggu man Yung Milla is the first rapper and first Indigenous person to win the reality tv show, The Voice. This episode is presented by Adam Evans.

Somewhat reminiscent of historic underpaid wages claims by Indigenous workers, a new study has found mob earn around $15,000 less than other workers each year. That's the equivalent of them providing free labour for two months. Other Highlights: The ongoing use of drones in a regional New South Wales town has been described as law enforcement overreach.   Gay men, bisexual men and their sexual partners are being encouraged to get tested for mpox. ' Extra rookie spots have been created to turn around the dwindling numbers of Indigenous players in the men and women's AFL competition. This episode is presented by Adam Evans.

There's been a massive backlash this week following racist comments from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Her remarks have been condemned by politicians and multiple complaints have been lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission. Other Highlights: Australia has dropped the ball on HIV and sexual health, with new data showing infections continue to rise in First Nations communities. A marine rescue expert had a heart breaking experience watching a female humpback grieve as her dead calf laid on sea floor off the Gold Coast. Artists from remote communities across the Northern Territory and Western Australia learn about contracts, marketing, media training at Bush Bands Bizz. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council says the Minns Government has failed to deliver a genuine partnership, shared decision-making and accountability. They have now pulled out of Closing the Gap discussions. The state's Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations says the government needs to back it's commitment with action. Other Highlights: Australians feeding birds in their yards are being urged to stop, with H5 bird flu continuing to threaten endangered birds and mammals across the country.  A new restriction means AFL coaches have to limit contact work in pre-season training. And an El Nino is building, but what is it? This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

The search of an Indigenous teenager who was removed from a bus at gunpoint could have been illegal. The Commonwealth Ombudsman has found that racial bias may have been involved in the arrest of a 17-year-old boy in Canberra last year. Other Highlights: A new report finds Queensland Indigenous radio is more trusted than the ABC in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Motor neurone disease will be tracked in New South Wales, with the state becoming the first in the country to make the disease a notifiable condition. Tributes pour in following the passing of an Indigenous boxing great. This week's episode if presented by Adam Evans.

While vaccination programs are being established to protect wildlife from the H5 bird flu, there are calls to boost existing biodiversity management programs. Indigenous rangers are calling for more funding to deal with threats that are already killing Australian wildlife. Other Highlights: New data show Indigenous people are being searched for knifes more often in Queensland. Almost 300 marine scientists come together to call for better protection in Australia's marine sanctuaries. Marking the 60th anniversary of the Gurindji Walk Off at Jinbarrak. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has heard government policies often cause divisions between communities. The royal commission has focused on social cohesion and community relations in its last hearing block this week. Other highlights: A guide has been launched to create more culturally aware workplaces for First Nations employees. Indigenous Elders, leaders and innovative programs have been recognised at the National NAIDOC Awards in Mparntwe Alice Springs.  Short films shown at the Melbourne International Film Festival explores treaty in Victoria. This episode is presented by Adam Evans.

An inquiry investigating racism and hatred directed at First Nations people is reviewing more than 700 submissions.  It's heard first hand accounts of how systemic racism is affecting the everyday lives of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. Other Highlights: Western Australia's police trial of AI facial recognition technology has been described as disturbing and inappropriate. Calls for an overhaul the telecommunication industry's regulations to establish quality standards. Researchers find dolphins on Australia's east coast engage in the practice of "shelling". This episode if presented by Adam Evans.

Over 60 per cent of Indigenous students in the Northern Territory need extra support with reading and numeracy.  That's according to the latest NAPLAN test results. In other states and the ACT that figure is around 33 per cent.  It's led to calls for a change to the education system especially for Indigenous students who speak English as a second language.  Other stories in this episode include: Former Northern Territory police officers launch a class action over alleged racial discrimination and abuse.  SNAICC, the national voice for Indigenous children and young people breaks down the theme of this year's National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day. And students from across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula have taken part in the Junior Indigenous Youth Parliament on Thursday Island.                   This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.                      

Governments are being urged to invest in community-led solutions to get more Closing the Gap targets on track. The annual data from this year's Closing the Gap report shows that only one target - pre-school enrolment - has been met. Four targets are worsening: adult imprisonment, suicide, children in out-of-home care and children who are developmentally on track. Other topics in this week’s episode include. Kids Helpline has recorded a 26 per cent rise in young people looking for help with Indigenous people making up eight per cent of calls. And 350 ethnobiology experts have met in north Queensland this week to discuss the important relationship between western science and Traditional Knowledges. This week’s episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.

The Northern Territory Government has successfully passed controversial legislation this week, making it easier to place Indigenous children with non-Indigenous families. The move has been condemned by Indigenous leaders and prompted the resignation of a leading advocate. Other highlights: Criticism of the Albanese government's response to the Islamophobia Envoy's report. The renaming of a federal electorate to honour prominent Indigenous rights pioneer Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue. Indigenous documentaries exploring the theme of Treaty at the Melbourne International Film Festival. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

Waiting for a student to be ready to learn is one of the approaches that has helped an Aboriginal school in Perth dramatically change educational outcomes. Karen Auguston is the principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School which started making changes to the way they engage with their students four years ago. She spoke to NIRS about other changes they've implemented. Also in the Weekly News in Review: WWF are calling for more Indigenous managed sancturies to protect critically endangered marine wildlife; CSIRO Young Indigenous Women's Stem Academy named as one the finalists in the national NAIDOC Innovation Award; and New research on cancer in Indigenous communities shows while some outcomes are improving, mob are more likely to be diagnosed with cancers with low survivability rate. This week's episode is presented by Karen Dorante.  

The irony of asserting her cultural rights during NAIDOC week isn't lost on Ruby Langford. She's been in Hobart Magistrates Court fighting trespass charges.  Ms Langford was attending an anti-logging protest at Snow Hill, in Tasmania's northern midlands when she was arrested. She talked about the case which has been adjourned to September.   Mparntwe (Alice Springs) Town Camps are often the focus of mainstream media when things go wrong.  CAAMA Radio has embarked on a project across Mparntwe's fifteen (15) Town Camps, handing residents the microphone to share their stories, memories and experiences in their own words. Other stories in the Weekly News In Review include: The Tax Ombudsman, Ruth Owen, says she's reviewing the ATO prompted by concerns raised by First Nations organisations and taxpayers; and CIAF artist director, Teho Ropeyarn talks about FNQ's biggest arts and culture fair. This week's episode is presented by Karen Dorante.  

New laws that have started this week give the National Indigenous Children's Commissioner the powers she needs to do her job. The laws cement Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter's role in advocating for Indigenous children and holding governments accountable. Other Highlights: There are fears that proposed changes to the Crown Land Management Act in New South Wales will weaken Aboriginal land rights. Controversial police knife-wanding laws have been made permanent in New South Wales. The Federal Government is being urged to change how it consults with Indigenous communities following its attempts to get feedback on its arts policy.  This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

The family of 17-year-old Indigenous boy who died in 1988 is relieved following the outcome of an inquest into his death. NSW Deputy Coroner, Harriet Grahame has found racist attitudes affected the police investigation into the death of Mark Haines. She found the investigation was flawed and it's likely Mark's case would have been handled differently if he was white. Other Highlights: There's been a 350 per cent increase in the number of children reaching crisis point before asking for help. A song co-written by Indigenous kids in Brewarrina New South Wales is preserving their traditional language - and sharing it with kids at schools across the country. NAISDA is celebrating it's 50th birthday. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

There's been a trend across the Queensland Government which has seen Indigenous leadership roles removed.  The most recent examples include two Indigenous roles in the state’s biggest health boards that are now vacant and there’s no plans to replace them. The trend is known as project invisibility. Other stories from this week include:   The National Justice Project raises concerns over changes to the Northern Territory’s child protection system. Merriam Traditional Owners sign a landmark custodial agreement with the Queensland Museum.  And Siena Stubbs talks about her Yolngu love story Munutji that's won big at the Sydney Film Festival.  This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen. 

Two leading children and young people advocates have voiced their concerns about changes to child protection systems in the Northern Territory and Queensland.   SNAICC and the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child and Young People have both come out to respond to the final report and recommendations of Queensland's Commission of Inquiry into the child safety system.   SNAICC CEO, Catherine Liddle says moves away from the guidelines to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous kids in care as ridiculous and misinformed.   Meanwhile Commissioner, Sue-Anne Hunter, says the Queensland report finding that racism plays no part in child removals is wrong.   Also in this episode: Torres Strait father and son talk about their collaboration, a new children's picture book retelling a traditional story from Mer; and How multiple agencies in New South Wales are helping Aboriginal women inmates once they're released from prison. This episode is presented by Karen Dorante.    

An Indigenous legal service has welcomed a proposed change to the way police officers use body worn cameras in New South Wales. It comes off the back of a media report highlighting police brutality and misconduct. Other Highlights: There's been a call for Brisbane's Lord Mayor to resign over the actions of council staff at the Goori Camp Embassy in Barrambin/Victoria Park. An open letter calls on the Prime Minister to commit more funding to biodiversity and conservation programs. The Barunga Festival is on in the Northern Territory. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

Only five of the Bringing them Home report’s 83 recommendations have been implemented – 29 years after it was written. Now the Healing Foundation has released a new plan - 'From Sorry to Action - a Plan to Act on Bringing them Home'. The plan outlines ways to implement the remaining recommendations. Other Highlights: A 39 day walk has delivered a call for a national truth telling inquiry to the Prime Minister in Canberra this week. Language experts have gathered in the Torres Strait this week for the 2026 Zenadth Kes Language symposium. An exhibition is exploring mass-produced, kitschy items that aren't an authentic image of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

Australia is dealing with its worst Diphtheria outbreak on record.  Over 130 people have been affected in the Northern Territory alone with Aboriginal people accounting for 95 per cent of recent cases.  The federal government has set aside over $7 million to help the NT government and Aboriginal organisations address the outbreak.  Other stories this week include:  The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre has written an open letter criticising the state government’s proposed Aboriginal heritage bill.  A hydrogeologist says the location of Brisbane’s planned Olympic stadium needs to be preserved.  And whale researchers have found humpbacks can move between Queensland and Brazil.  This week's episode is presented by Harrison Pedersen.  

Cost of living, energy, housing and healthcare were the main focus points of this week's federal budget.  Some Indigenous leaders have highlighted the lack of funding to address key issues in communities across the country. The Federal Government says over a billion dollars will be spent on Closing the Gap measures over the next five years. But advocates say there's no money for Indigenous legal services and no support for Stolen Generations Survivors who need aged-care support in their homes. Other stories covered this week:  Yindjibarndi Traditional Owners recieve $150 million in compensation after the Federal Court ruled Fortescue had mined iron ore on their lands without their permission. Victoria's Traditional Owner body Gellung Warl begins its transormational work.  And, Aboriginal hip hop artist Miles Nautu prepares for his VIVID Festival gig in Sydney next week  This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.   

Vigils have been held across the country this week in memory of Kumanjayi Little Baby. The five-year-old girl's body was found last week after an intensive five day search around Alice Springs. Her death made waves across the nation and mourners turned out on Thursday to remember the Warlpiri girl. Other Highlights: Governments have been called on focus on education instead of locking up children. A program helping Indigenous mothers quit smoking will be expanded. Over 70 Aboriginal people have been taught how to use fire to manage their own cultural burns. Indigenous students at schools in far north Queensland have been been putting on science lab coats and examining human organs this week. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

Minimum standards for people being held in detention need to be adopted by the Northern Territory Government. The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency is calling for the territory government to implement, OPCAT, an international human rights treaty designed to stop torture at detention facilities. The legal service says some people are spending weeks in watch houses. Other stories this week include: The Aboriginal Legal Service of NSW and the ACT say police-led meetings in NSW are harming young people.   Yorta-Yorta and Barapa-Barapa man Kai Lane highlights the impact light pollution is having on the future of Indigenous astronomy. And a new study investigates the plastic chemicals that end up in the food we eat. This week’s episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.

The Federal government's announced 160-thousand people will be moved off the National Disability Insurance scheme to address the programs rising costs.  The scheme providing support for Australians living with a disability was expected to cost 70 billion dollars a year by the end of decade.  The First People's Disability Network is urging the Federal Government to listen to Indigenous people living with a disability to strengthen the NDIS.  Other stories this week include:  Four residents in the NT Aboriginal community of Papunya have launched a federal court case against the territory government over extreme heat concerns.  Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung activist Ruth Langford reacts to the Hobart Magistrate's refusal to make history in Tasmania by holding an on-country hearing.  And a former deputy chair of Murri Watch calls for the Queensland government to meet with them after the state decided to not support the organisation's youth program after June 30.  This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.    

35 years ago this week, the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report was handed down with 339 recomendations.  It hoped to address the high rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders dying in police custody, but since 1991, 630 Indigenous people have died in custody.  Amnesty International Australia's Indigenous Rights Advisor, Rodney Dillon, is asking how many people have to die before its declared a massacre? Other stories this week include:  The start of a 820-kilometre walk to Canberra calling for a national truth-telling inquiry. Traditional owners helping to conserve Australia's newest lizard, the Kungaka after 25 year of research.   Protecting the endangered Alpine Ash as frequency of severe bushfires increase.    This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen   

More than 200 organisations and community leaders have signed an open letter addressed to the Prime Minister calling for him to address the youth justice crisis.  The Federal Government has responded, saying only the states and territories can get justice policies. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services disagrees.  Other stories include:  Residents in a Western Australian Indigenous community may have to move due to dwindling food supplies.  A new nasal vaccine gives parents a needle-free way to protect their children from the flu.  And Aboriginal Investments NT is ready to provide funding for culturally grounded and important projects This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen. 

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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

Indigenous students aren't using Monash Universities mainstream complaints process to report racism. Instead they take their complaints to the university's William Cooper Institute which offers support for First Nations students.  That's according to the university's first report on racism released this week.  Other stories in this episode include:  A review hopes to address the pay gap hurting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers.  The familiy of an Northern Territory man killed by a hit-and-run weigh up their legal options after the driver has avoided jail time.  And, the NT's opposition leader has boycotted the swearing in of the territory's new administratior David Connolly.  This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen. 

More than 80 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university academics and students have experienced racism.  That's according to the Human Rights Commission's Racism@Uni report.  Over 76-thousand students and staff from 42 univerties took part in the study. The report's made 47 reccoemdations to governments and universities.  Other stories in the episode:  The Redfern Legal Centre welcomes the end of protest restrictions in Sydney.  And Wulna Traditional Owners prepare to speak to Total Energies H2 after the company withdrew its Federal Court application to dismiss their native title rights.  This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.

The 18th anniversary of Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology to Stolen Generations, was marked this week. Funding has been allocated to boost support services for survivors. The Healing Foundation says more needs to be done to improve aged care for Stolen Generations survivors. Other Highlights: Protestors were out in force this week to oppose the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Queensland introduces laws to ban the phrases From the River to the Sea and Globalise the Intifada. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

Last week's attempted bombing of Perth's Invasion Day rally has formally been declared a 'terrorist act' this week. The man accused of throwing a home-made bomb into the crowd has been charged with engaging in a terrorist act. Other highlights: Laws introduced to federal parliament this week will give the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Commissioner the power to improve outcomes for Indigenous children. Indigenous organisations criticise the NT Government's efforts to raise rent for remote residents. Waitangi Day has been celebrated in Aotearoa New Zealand. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

Boorloo Perth's Indigenous community has been shaken this week after a homemade bomb was thrown into the city's Invasion Day rally.  Police have described it as a fragment bomb designed to injure or kill people, but it didn't go off.  Investigations into the attempted bombing surprised many when it initially wasn't treated as a potential terrorist act.  Other stories this week include: A call for more Aboriginal-led family violence support services following the death of a pregnant Indigenous woman in Lake Cargelligo.  Dozens of countries urge Australia to raise the age of criminal responsibility, while others want the Albanese government to legislate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  And, an Indigenous-led gathering in Aotearoa New Zealand is focussing on protecting the Pacific Ocean. This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.               

Young people are experiencing racism more with over 25 per cent of recorded racist incidents affecting under 19-year-olds, that's a 10 per cent increase since last year. That’s according to the latest Call it Out Report from the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research in partnership with the National Justice Project. The institute says racism can have an immediate and lifelong impact, shaping children’s sense of belonging and self-worth. Other stories in this week’s episode include. The Federal Government passes Anti-hate speech and gun law reforms; Independent Senator Lida Thorpe breaks down their implications. The New South Wales Aboriginal Legal Service explains what Sydney’s protest restrictions will mean for Invasion Day rallies. Chair of the Northern Land Council Matthew Ryan calls for the NT Government to reconsider its choice for the territory's new administrator after 'appalling' and 'racist' social media posts came to light. This week’s episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.

When tragic news stories capture headlines it can be easy to be traumatised by what you see.  Recently images and videos from Bondi Beach, have been shared all across social media documenting a mass shooting that's killed 15 people and injured dozens of others. National Indigenous crisis support service 13 YARN is urging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to check in with each other.  Other highlights include: Sefan Enciso from Justice Not Jails explains how private security patrols in Darwin and Palmerston will affect First Nations people. Could the Kakadu plum help lower type two diabetes and chronic kidney diesase in Inidgenous communities? Bushtukka and Botanicals Indigenous Enterprise Cooperative's Madonna Thompson explains.  Dale Chapman from My Dilly Bag suggests using native ingredidents to spice up Christmas dinner.  This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen. 

This week has seen the release of heartbreaking deaths in custody data. Over the last financial year 33 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders passed away in custody, the highest number in over 40 years. It means there have been 617 recorded deaths since the landmark Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991. Other stories this week include: The Victorian Government apologises to First Nations people across the state. SNAICC’s Family Matters Report finds Indigenous children are almost 10 times more likely to be taken from their families than other children. And the E-Safety Commission releases tips for Indigenous families working through the Federal Government’s social media ban for under 16s. This week’s episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.

A new report released this week has highlighted the need for national leadership on youth justice policies. It shows inconsistencies in the way each state and territory approach youth crime laws. Advocates are now calling for a national youth justice standard that is in line with human rights obligations. Other Highlights: Four Indigenous tenants have taken on the Northern Territory government in the High Court and won.  Archaeologists have uncovered a large bundle of Aboriginal stone tools in Boulia in western Queensland. The stories of local heroes in the Torres Strait will be told through short films being produced by aspiring film makers from Thursday Island. This week's episode is presented by Adam Evans.

For the first time in decades Australia’s environment laws will be getting an overhaul. With the help of the Greens the Albanese government has passed changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The reforms look to provide stronger protections for the environment, while also supporting businesses. The changes have been welcomed by some environment groups but some industry bodies say they’re bitterly disappointed. Other highlights from this week include. The Call It Out First Nations Annual Racism Register's annual report highlights systemic racism across the country. The Racial Profiling Data Monitoring Project outlines Victorian Police racial profiling rates. And National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Children and Young People Sue-Anne Hunter speaks to us after meeting with childrens commissioners, guardians and advocates in Canberra. This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen. 

Two uncles from the Torres Strait will take their fight to protect their islands, to the full Federal Court. Uncle’s Paul Kabai and Pabai Pabai, are appealing a Federal Court Justice ruling from earlier this year which found the commonwealth is not legally responsible for the impact the climate crisis is having on the Torres Strait. The Uncles say rising sea levels have damaged culturally significant sites and are forcing Island communities to consider leaving their homes. Other highlights include: Highly respected Nursing and Midwifery Professor Roianne West returns to country to mentor Indigenous nursing students. And, Bigambul and Mandandanj Author and Australian Society of Authors director Dub Leffler breaks down how AI companies train their models by stealing from Australian books. This week’s episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.

Victoria has made history this week with the signing of Australia’s first ever Treaty with Indigenous people. The signing is the result of nearly a decade of negotiations and generations of advocacy. A new independent body, Gellung Warl, will be established to oversee the Treaty process and speak directly to the Victorian government about laws that affect First Nations People. Other Highlights include: The impact Victoria’s decision to try people as young as 14 as adults will have on First Nations people. The Indigenous Desert Alliance’s involvement at the United Nations Climate Conference COP-30 in Brazil And dual Olympian Patrick Johnson breaks down a new study looking at racism in Australia sport. This week's episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen

New Data from The Australia Institute is raising concerns that gambling companies are targeting Indigenous people.   The institute’s found communities with high numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have 50 per cent more poker machines than other areas. Other Highlights: Cape York Traditional Owners speak out over the removal of a culturally significant crocodile. The Australian Museum encourages people to get involved with Frog-ID week. And Naarm-based Aboriginal writer Tony Birch breaks down his latest anthology ‘Pictures of You’. This week’s episode is hosted by Harrison Pedersen.  

Tens of thousands of job seekers across 60 remote areas will find it easier to get a job and work on projects befitting communities.  That's what the Federal Government hopes as the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) replaces the Community Development Program (CDP).  Other Highlights: Indigenous communities feel ignored amid the debate on Federal environmental reforms. NSW Government advised to increase diversionary and early intervention programs for young people. Researchers explore the Coral Sea Marine Park sea floor. An Indigenous early-education program has been found to be highly valued for Indigenous families and organisations.