Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women three times more likely to be jailed in Queensland. The rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women being imprisoned has more than tripled in 15 years, according to a report by the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council.
Key points: The Connecting the Dots report finds fewer First Nations offenders, but a higher chance for imprisonmentElders believe community issues are linked to common offendingThe report will advise policymakers on the over-representation of First Nations people in detention Researchers examined 321,669 cases in Queensland courts from 2005 to 2019 as part of the Connecting The Dots report, which aimed to identify trends in the sentencing of First Nations offenders. Retired judge and council chair John Robertson said, overall, the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders decreased over that period, but those who did commit crimes were more likely to be imprisoned.
Women more likely to be jailed "It's sad … the report shows that women have the highest increased imprisonment," Uncle Bevan said. Glencore's McArthur River Mine rock dump expansion compared to Juukan Gorge in briefing document. The Northern Territory government has been warned by its own heritage branch that if it allows mining giant Glencore to go ahead with a plan to destroy an archaeologically significant Aboriginal stone tool quarry, it could draw comparisons to the Juukan Gorge cave blasts.
Key points: Aboriginal traditional owners are appealing for the historic stone tools quarry site to be preservedGlencore wants to expand waste rock onto the site of the artefactsThe minister is yet to reach a decision, but he says he is determined to protect spiritually important places The company has applied to the NT government for permission to remove Aboriginal stone artefacts from the quarry site, which is on the McArthur River zinc-lead mine near Borroloola, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, so that it can build part of a massive waste rock dump on it. "It is a large, high-density stone artefact scatter assessed as high archaeological significance," the department said. I grew up surrounded by white people — then I moved to Tennant Creek.
It sure is different out here in Tennant Creek.
Growing up as I did in Sydney, surrounded by white people, I was taken by surprise when I first moved here – in the middle of Australia there were so many people with black skin like me. For some African migrants, this simple fact makes Tennant Creek feel familiar, a bit like home. Marcel Nkongolo, a Congolese nurse at Tennant Creek Hospital, says the town is even "slightly similar to Africa". "The culture, the weather — it's a little hotter here," he tells RN's Earshot. Jane Ndove, a health policy worker with Zimbabwean roots, spent five hard years living in China as a black woman.
Upon moving to Tennant Creek, she took comfort in her initial discovery of a smattering of Kenyans, Ghanaians, and Zambians forging a life for themselves in the outback. "I wasn't expecting to find anyone from the African community," she says. Andrew Forrest launches appeal after proposed Ashburton River irrigation project rejected. An Indigenous woman has told a tribunal examining a development application by mining billionaire Andrew Forrest her people could be punished spiritually if they do not protect the Ashburton River.
Key points: Darwin's Larrakia traditional owners recognised in renaming of Vesteys Beach. For many decades, a popular stretch of sand on the edge of Darwin's CBD was named after a cattle baron from England.
The renaming is part of a government push to better recognise traditional ownersInternational company Vestey Brothers built an abattoir on the cliffs overlooking the beach in 1914There have been calls to change the name for many years. Queensland school's Indigenous language program proves popular, with surprising results. An award-winning language program is seeing surprising results in enrolment, education and behaviour at a Far North Queensland school.
Kuku Yalanji man Juan Walker normally runs tours about history and cultural practices around the Mossman and Daintree region. In recent times he has turned his hand to teaching at Mossman State School, north of Cairns. On the day The Drum visits, a year six Kuku Yalanji language class is in full swing. "What do you call the sea? " Mr Walker asks the students. Division in trust over Indigenous deaths in custody continues as recent events open up old wounds. "They don't like me, and I don't like them".
In one simple sentence, a young man laid bare his experience of the often fraught relationship between Indigenous children and police. Warning: This story contains an image of an Indigenous person who has died. Australian Love Stories exhibition showcases the 40-year marriage of Jimmy and Jane Barnes. It was 1979 at the Australian National University in Canberra when Jimmy saw Jane from across the room.
Specifically, it was November 22 at 4:00pm. Rock icon Jimmy Barnes is extremely confident of that fact. "I was completely smitten," Barnes said. "I was trying to catch her attention, trying to get her to look at me. " But the night ended with Jane Mahoney calling him a cab, and parting ways. But Jimmy's plan had worked, and the next day he saw Jane again. Sacred Lake Torrens at centre of legal battle over Argonaut Resources drilling proposal. Legal proceedings have been launched against a minerals exploration company drilling for ore on the surface of Australia's second largest salt lake.
Key points: Lake Torrens is a sacred site to the Barngarla, Kokatha, Adnyamathanha and Kuyani peopleIn late 2020, Premier Steven Marshall approved the exploratory drilling, despite opposition from Aboriginal groupsDespite the bid for a judicial review, the State Government has confirmed the company will be allowed to continue drilling Lake Torrens, in outback South Australia, is a sacred site to at least four Aboriginal groups, but it does not have any native title protections. In 2020, SA's Aboriginal Affairs minister, Premier Steven Marshall, approved an application from exploration company Kelaray, a subsidiary of Argonaut Resources, to drill for ore on the lake's surface. Pat Dodson calls for Peter Dutton to convene police ministers meeting on deaths in custody. A former royal commissioner is calling on Peter Dutton to convene a meeting of state and territory police ministers to act immediately to prevent Indigenous deaths in custody, after three people died in jail in the past fortnight.
Key points: Patrick Dodson wants police ministers to meet to focus on what can be done to reduce deaths in custodyThree Indigenous people have died in custody in the past fortnightNext month marks the 30th anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Labor senator Pat Dodson worked on the landmark Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody three decades ago. While the exact figure on how many deaths in custody there have been since then is unknown, it is believed to be in the hundreds. "There's no leadership coming from the federal government," Senator Dodson said. After the Yoo-rrook Truth and Justice Commission, Aboriginal people are not obliged to forgive. Who owns truth? And who gets to decide when or how truth is told? These are fundamental questions Victorians are going to face as they begin a process of truth and justice as part of treaty negotiations with the Indigenous community.
The Yoo-rrook Justice Commission has been praised as an important step to facing up to a brutal history. But is it? It is certainly a long overdue opportunity for Aboriginal people to tell the truth of massacre and rape and theft of land and segregation and exploitation and stolen children and broken families. It is also a chance to tell the powerful story of pride and survival and resilience. Telstra's Indigenous call centre to help remote customers following adverse ACCC findings. Consumer advocates have welcomed a move by Telstra to establish its first Indigenous call centre, as the telco continues to make reparations with remote First Nations customers it admitted to exploiting.
The Indigenous call centre employs eight staff speaking about 14 languagesIt's intended to connect remote customers with people who understand their needsTelstra admitted to unconscionable dealings with 108 remote customers in November The First Nations Connect centre, which opened in Darwin on Wednesday, will connect remote customers with Indigenous call centre operators who can have culturally aware discussions, in some cases in Indigenous languages. "This is a call centre that is dedicated to First Nations people in remote communities to address telecommunications questions and issues they have," Telstra CEO Andrew Penn said.
Truth-telling high on the agenda at treaty meetings in the NT, as Victoria announces first formal process. Across Australia, Indigenous leaders are grasping with both hands the opportunity being offered by some state and territory governments to start a cathartic process of truth-telling. Key points: An independent commissioner is briefing Aboriginal communities that the NT Government is offering Treaty negotiationsCommunities are being warned that achieving self-government and compensation may take decadesThe commission is proposing a truth telling process to uncover massacres preceding Treaty talks Yesterday, Victoria announced Australia's first formal truth-telling process, under a new truth and justice royal commission.
Writing Black Lives Matter: Maxine Beneba Clarke and Angie Thomas on their latest books for children and young people. Angie Thomas currently has not one but two books on the New York Times' Young Adult bestsellers list. It's a rare feat, all the more remarkable because one of the books isn't even a new release. The Hate U Give was directly inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, and while it was hugely successful on its release in 2017, the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery in 2020 saw it re-enter the bestsellers list. "I'm thankful that people see my book as a resource that can help them process this time we're in," Thomas recently told Claire Nichols on The Book Show.
"But it's also a bit frustrating, because The Hate U Give came out in 2017 — and here we are years later, and it's still relevant. And my biggest dream for that book is for it to one day be irrelevant. " NT Government calls for action on report finding federal laws 'offensive' to Indigenous Territorians. When a 55-year-old man was found guilty of having sex with and assaulting his 14-year-old "promised bride" in the mid-2000s, the Northern Territory Supreme Court handed him a two-year sentence, suspended after just one month. Federal legislation prevents NT courts from considering local Aboriginal laws in sentencing and bail decisionsThe NT government asked the Law Reform Committee to assess the impact of the legislationThe committee found the Commonwealth legislation to be ineffective, disproportionate and discriminatory The short jail term — which was based on the court's finding that the man believed his actions were permitted under traditional law — was later increased to a minimum of 18 months after the original sentence was deemed "manifestly inadequate" on appeal.
The case was one of several that sparked a national debate about whether customary Aboriginal laws were being used to mitigate serious crimes and reduce prison terms for offenders. It also recommended the NT government: Why the growing number of vigilantes in response to youth crime in Townsville is worrying the Indigenous community. Just before 11pm on a Tuesday night, half a dozen police teams gather for a briefing in a retail car park on Townsville's south-western fringe. Key points: Oldest-known Australian rock art is 17,300-year-old kangaroo in the Kimberley, wasp nests show. 'We've had a gutful': Traditional owners threaten to close parts of Kakadu National Park.
Truganini memorial at Bruny Island defaced with image of Captain Cook. It is an indication of the "underlying racism in this country" that a monument to famous Tasmanian Indigenous woman Truganini has been vandalised with an image of English explorer Captain James Cook, an Aboriginal community leader says. Key points: Truganini was a famous Aboriginal warrior and pioneerImages of the vandalism have been posted to Facebook by outraged members of the publicThe Parks and Wildlife Service had begun work to repair the damage, the Government said. Court of Appeal rules Lake Victoria traditional owner has right to make historic compensation claim.
She might not be a household name like Eddie Mabo, but Dorothy Lawson has spent years quietly fighting for the right to have the ownership of her traditional homeland legally recognised. Aboriginal artefact reveals ancient art of slow cooking in Indigenous culture. A small piece of clay found on a property in central Victoria reveals an ancient Aboriginal culture that once inhabited a wetland.
When ex-school teacher Julie Howard was walking through the side paddock on her property in Goornong, she came across a small rock made of clay. Discovery of ancient Bogong moth remains at Cloggs Cave gives insight into Indigenous food practices. Cloggs Cave near Buchan, in eastern Victoria's alpine region, has long been known by the Gunaikurnai people, but a recent archaeological discovery has opened up a dusty window into more of its history.
Massive NSW property Narriearra Station hailed by conservationists as ecological treasure trove. Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann shares Stolen Generations story on anniversary of National Apology. How one family started to reckon with their part in Australia's dark past - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Damning letter puts Rio Tinto back in hot water over destruction of Juukan Gorge Aboriginal rock shelters. Multinational miner Rio Tinto is facing a fresh and highly-charged disagreement with the Aboriginal traditional owners of the Juukan Gorge heritage site, which the company blew up last year. Key points: Jukkan Gorge traditional owners have written a scathing letter to Rio Tinto criticising executive movementsThe Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura peoples say the miner's attempts to repair relationships "ring hollow" A Rio Tinto spokesman said the company was "committed to rebuilding the relationship" with the PKKP.
How 'Port Essington Jack' and his brothers were kidnapped and brought to Hong Kong. Solar farm developer METKA EGN fined $1,500 for destroying hundreds of Indigenous artefacts. High Ground: Yolngu Boy director Stephen Maxwell Johnson and elder Witiyana Marika reunite for Northern Territory Western. Invasion Day rally sees thousands take to Melbourne streets, two men detained by police. January 26 is a reminder that Australia still hasn't reckoned with its original sin. As Australia Day dawns, Ballarat's Survival Day ceremony honours the fallen warriors of frontier wars. A shield, some spears, and the symbolism people find in the stuff the British stole. NT Government under fire for not using Indigenous names for new national park sites.
Survivor seeks apology and demands Federal Government action over abuse claims at Retta Dixon Home in Darwin. Indigenous man Noel Walker explains why Coon Cheese name change is so important. Retta Dixon Home victims in limbo as operator AIM barred from National Redress Scheme. The unexpected rescue mission that inspired ABC mini-series Flight into Hell — and other survivalists. Peter Salmon, last speaker of endangered Thiinma language, travels through WA to teach it. Rare soldier's diary reveals secret massacre of Indigenous Tasmanians after almost 200 years.
Boxing Day Test man of the match to be presented the Mullagh Medal. Perth Festival to showcase hidden massacre of Noongar people at Lake Monger. Stolen wages and living under wage control laws involved long hours, lonely days, say Aboriginal workers. How Bruce Lee classic Fist of Fury is helping a struggling Indigenous language kick on. Federal Court upholds Djab Wurrung's Western Highway appeal, overturns Sussan Ley's decision on sacred trees.
Coroner refers possible rapes and girl's 'suspicious' remote community death back to NT Police, DPP - ABC News. Perth man Craig Robert Dale charged over alleged $2.9m fraud in remote Kimberley community - ABC News. Leanne Liddle is on a mission to bring the NT's remote communities back from the brink in five years. NT mine closure has Jabiru community anxious about an uncertain future, and some are already leaving - ABC News. How forensic science solved an outback mystery. What Australia's first Aboriginal truth and justice commission might look like - ABC News. Rio Tinto may have to pay $250 million in Juukan Gorge compensation, native title chief warns - ABC News. Australian history put through the looking glass by Aboriginal artists Judy Watson and Yhonnie Scarce in new exhibition - ABC News.
Less than 10 per cent of mining companies in Australia mention Aboriginal engagement, study finds - ABC News. Indigenous Dance Rites competition takes place on country, telling ancient stories and honouring ancestors - ABC News. Darwin's Larrakia find much in common with First Nations of Anchorage in Parallel Hearts project - ABC News. North Queensland elders say stolen wages entitlements unfair, much lower than expected - ABC News.
They accused police of kidnapping, but felt like they were put on trial. Now the 'Pinkenba Six' boys are speaking out - ABC News. Remembering the 1946 Pilbara strike, Australia's longest, that paved the way for Indigenous rights - ABC News. The hopes for a Tasmanian Aboriginal treaty focus on a diary entry from 1831 - ABC News. The next generation is bringing Australia's ancient languages into the future - ABC News. Dr Charles Perkins Memorial Oration keynote speech sees Pat Turner say government partnerships key to Indigenous advancement - ABC News. Federal Government and Australian Indigenous Ministries sued over alleged Retta Dixon abuse - ABC News. Australian War Memorial's Indigenous callout leads to general's revelation about family past - ABC News.
This teacher taught Aboriginal children 'leading and writing'. His students changed Australia for the better - ABC News. CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope — The Dish — given a Wiradjuri name to mark start of NAIDOC week - ABC News. Indigenous Football Week sparks calls for greater Aboriginal representation in game - ABC News. Daniel Yock's death in custody sparked a wildfire of anger. For his family, it remains unfinished business. Archie Roach encourages Indigenous prisoners to look to community, culture and country to escape status quo - ABC News. A quiet place. Wadjarri people gather to ensure extraordinary family legend of endurance and defiance lives on - ABC News. Gogo cave school in central Kimberley recognised for important role in history - ABC News.
Tasmanian Aboriginal community split over dual naming of places - ABC News. Class action launched against West Australian Government over Indigenous stolen wages - ABC News. Indigenous story wall restored, open to visitors in outback Queensland - ABC News. Juukan Gorge traditional owners given 'gag order' warning by lawyers for Rio Tinto, inquiry hears - ABC News. NT Larrakia elders lose High Court case against Northern Land Council, vow to fight on - ABC News. Seven Sisters stars creation story reconnecting people to their country after clifftop massacre taboo lifted - ABC News.
Northern Territory Stolen Generations compensation calls grow ahead of possible class action - ABC News. 'Bilbies', thylacines and dugongs among stunning Maliwawa rock art documented in Arnhem Land - Science - ABC News. High Ground, Australian 'frontier western' starring Jacob Nayinggul and Jack Thompson, to premier at Brisbane International Film Festival - ABC News. King Billy and Marvellous were not invited to the 1927 opening of Parliament House — but that didn't stop their fight for sovereignty - ABC News. Parks Australia to be prosecuted by Aboriginal authority over alleged desecration of Kakadu site - ABC News.
Consequences for Rio Tinto over Juukan Gorge catastrophe are the new norm - ABC News. Basketball champion and Indigenous mentor Patty Mills has found 'a way to live with impact and purpose' - ABC News. Theia Energy fracking, ports, and oil pipeline project for west Kimberley to be voted on by Indigenous group - ABC News. AFL, St Kilda apologise to Robert Muir for 'disgraceful racism and disrespect' - ABC News. Indigenous footballer Albert 'Pompey' Austin remembered as a 'significant' figure in Australian rules - ABC News. Traditional owners on APY Lands concerned illegal cattle grazing could damage country, sacred sites - ABC News. Asteroids named in honour of Indigenous Australians for significant contribution to Aboriginal astronomy - ABC News. Queenie McKenzie's 'Mistake Creek Massacre' displayed by National Museum after years of controversy - ABC News. Vietnam War gave Wiradjuri man Victor Bartley his first experience of life without racism - ABC News.
Indigenous theatre leaders on stage representation, storytelling and Australian theatre - ABC News. Why George Floyd's death tells the story of many black lives. State funeral held for freedom rider Uncle Lyall Munro Senior - ABC News. Vickie Roach saw her first death in custody at 18. She's spent the decades since fighting to abolish prisons - ABC News. Scott Morrison says the colony of New South Wales was founded on the basis there would be no slavery. Is he correct? - ABC News.
Ancient Aboriginal underwater archaeological sites discovered, and a new frontier for study - ABC News. Hermannsburg Indigenous artworks sit in US closet for 50 years before selling to South Australian Museum - ABC News. Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra still 'the ground zero for First Nations people' nearly 50 years on - ABC News.