Catholic Bishop Christopher Saunders, 76, found guilty of 13 counts of sexually abusing young Aboriginal men in WA's remote north over 40 years. Colleagues express relief; Church faces criticism for inaction, including not defrocking Saunders.
A $4 billion project to build 2,700 new homes in remote NT Aboriginal communities is in jeopardy due to a funding and delivery dispute between the federal and NT governments, with concerns only 1,100-1,800 homes may be delivered.
A family member of an Aboriginal boy seriously injured in a hit-and-run in Mildura speaks out after the accused driver, Andrew Brien, was granted bail, citing 'deep concern and disappointment' amid racist social media backlash and calls for bail law review.
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe admitted mistakes will happen in the accelerated rollout of renewable energy after a consortium destroyed an Aboriginal heritage site near Mudgee. She announced a $1.4 million grant program for farmers in the REZ.
The Australian Electoral Commission has dropped a controversial plan to rename the Tasmanian electorate of Franklin after Aboriginal resistance leader Tongerlongeter following community feedback and opposition.
Marri Ngarr artist Ryan Presley won the $100,000 top prize at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards for his oil painting 'Our lifestyle of tranquillity undisturbed'. Fellow artist Jenna Mayilema Lee also won the Work on Paper Award.
Tasmanian Aboriginal rangers and elders face racist abuse on social media, with comments questioning their Aboriginality; leaders attribute the escalation to post-Voice referendum tensions and internal 'lateral violence'
Federal police investigate a defence manufacturer vandalism incident as terrorism, Aboriginal community police officers sue the NT government over discrimination, and world oil companies face criticism over massive profits.
Djawa Yunupiŋu announced the Dilak Land Council at Garma Festival, aiming to empower Yolŋu landowners. This new NT council, breaking from the NLC, faces immediate opposition from Rirratjiŋu elder Wanyubi Marika and concerns from politician Yiŋiya Guyula over consultation and inclusivity.
Noel Pearson criticized governments for profiting from gambling and alcohol, advocating for federal oversight of remote Aboriginal communities and dismantling state/territory Aboriginal affairs departments. Concurrently, Djawa Yunupiŋu announced the Dilak Land Council to empower Yolŋu people in economic development, aiming to bypass the Northern Land Council's perceived delays.
A 23-year-old Aboriginal man, Kunmanara Ingkatji, died in custody in Adelaide's CBD, prompting multiple investigations and overwhelming grief among his family and community, who gathered for a private vigil.
Gumatj Corporation leader Djawa Yunupiŋu announces the creation of the Dilak Land Council, aiming to drive economic development for Yolŋu people by granting direct decision-making power over their land, potentially bypassing the Northern Land Council (NLC).
A 23-year-old Aboriginal man died in South Australian police custody after a struggle during his arrest at the Elephant and Castle Hotel car park in Adelaide. Police responded to reports of a man damaging vehicles and fighting, potentially armed. Multiple investigations are underway.
The remote Yalata Indigenous community in South Australia, displaced by 1950s British nuclear tests, is opening its restricted fishing and camping spots to the public. To attract visitors, the Yalata Anangu Aboriginal Corporation unveiled a "Mighty Mulloway" bronze sculpture and a roadhouse sign, aiming for stable employment and community-controlled growth.
Gumatj Corporation, an Aboriginal entity, purchased and renamed Nhulunbuy's Captain Cook Shopping Centre, removing its signage. This acquisition marks a "defining moment" for the Yolŋu people, promoting economic independence and self-determination amidst the impending closure of Rio Tinto's bauxite mine.
Queensland's Liberal National government buried a report by domestic violence victim-survivors that criticized police handling of cases and advocated for civilian review mechanisms, despite promises to prioritize victims in justice policies.
An unlawful excavation by Arisvi Holdings Pty Ltd four years ago on Erawirung Country, South Australia, irreversibly damaged an Aboriginal burial site and ancestral artefacts. Despite retrospective approval and a financial settlement with the council, the Aboriginal community and local residents feel let down by the system, with ongoing concerns about heritage protection and accountability.
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.
Christopher Alan Saunders, 76, a former senior Catholic cleric, is on trial in Perth, Western Australia, accused of sexually abusing young Aboriginal men at "alcohol-fuelled" parties he hosted while Bishop of Broome. He faces 26 charges, including indecent assault.
Controversial child protection changes are set for debate in the Northern Territory Parliament today, drawing national criticism from Aboriginal, health, legal, and human rights groups over concerns it will weaken the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and lead to more child removals.
South Australia's largest federal electorate, Grey, is renamed O'Donoghue by the AEC, honoring Aboriginal leader Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue. The decision, part of minor electoral map changes, proceeded despite opposition from local Liberal MP Tom Venning and public submissions.
Jacob Boehme's play 'Logan St' premieres in Adelaide, exploring the hidden histories of Aboriginal people and non-European migrants in 1940s Adelaide through the unlikely friendship of his grandmother Dulcie Sansbury and Afghan cameleer Gool Mahomet.
Australia's aged care regulator is investigating fee complaints. Donald Trump denies Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East strikes. Jannik Sinner won Wimbledon, and fungi are explored in Australian wilderness.
Australian universities must adopt legally enforceable definitions of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism against Indigenous people from 2027. This new standard aims to combat discrimination on campuses and follows recommendations from a Human Rights Commission report and the federal government's antisemitism plan.
