Australia's Morning Mail covers significant news including falling house prices, concerns over First Nations deaths in custody, and the start of Alan Jones' trial. International news features the Middle East crisis and wildfire tragedies.
First Nations advocates warn NSW prisons could surpass last year's record for Indigenous deaths in custody after Matthew Roberts (27) and another man (21) died this month. Families and legal services highlight a "crisis" fueled by rising Indigenous incarceration rates.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong told Garma Festival that First Nations' historic relationships with Pacific neighbours offer Australia a "strategic national advantage." Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy spoke on land rights, while Gumatj leader Djawa Yunupiŋu announced a new land council and Noel Pearson called for an overhaul of remote Aboriginal community management.
Fast-moving wildfires destroyed two First Nations communities in Ontario, Canada, forcing self-evacuations without government help or emergency alerts. Nearly 2,000 people from 13 communities, mostly First Nations, have been evacuated as leaders accuse the province of disorganization and inadequate support.
The NSW government has launched an Aboriginal family preservation program with a $350m investment to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care. Co-designed with First Nations families and ACCOs, the program offers culturally safe support and is already showing success at Abcare in Coffs Harbour.
Indigenous community members told a federal inquiry they felt dismissed by authorities following an alleged terror attack at an Invasion Day rally in Perth. They highlighted a perceived lack of urgency and condemnation compared to other incidents, and a normalization of racism post-referendum.
Northern Territory Children's Commissioner Shahleena Musk resigned, citing government "sidelining" and opposition to controversial child protection law changes. The new laws replace the Aboriginal child placement principle with a "universal principle" and are opposed by First Nations groups and advocates.
Jock Campbell will make his first Test start since late 2022 at fullback for Australia against Ireland in the Nations Championship. James Slipper returns from retirement, and several players who played club rugby in Europe are back in the squad.
South Africa's Rassie Erasmus names a strong lineup including Kolisi, du Toit, and Marx to face England, signaling a serious approach to the Nations Championship opener despite previous suggestions of tinkerings.
The Northern Territory's 'tough on crime' agenda under the Country Liberal Party has raised alarms among environment, First Nations, justice, and family groups, citing disregard for vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
First Nations families in Australia are fighting proposed changes to child protection systems in Queensland and the Northern Territory that could erode protections designed to keep Aboriginal families together. Advocates argue these changes, including considering adoption, disregard the historical trauma of the Stolen Generations and the importance of cultural connection for Indigenous children.
Children's show Bluey is set to be released in Yolŋu Matha, an Australian Indigenous language, for the first time. Five episodes will be dubbed and broadcast on July 5th as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, aiming to bring Indigenous culture into Australian homes.
The Australian federal government has refused to intervene in the construction of an Olympic stadium in Brisbane's Victoria Park, a site considered sacred by the Turrbal and Yagara Peoples, despite applications under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act.
The Northern Territory government's review of its child protection system, following Kumanjayi Little Baby's death, faces criticism from First Nations and justice groups for repeating past mistakes.
A 900-year-old dingo burial site near NSW's Darling River reveals a unique 'feeding' ritual with shell additions, highlighting the deep bond between dingoes and First Nations people. The dingo, cared for despite injuries, signifies its importance as a companion animal.
