Watchdog says Qld youth laws will ‘erode basic rights’
National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds says Queensland's plan for tougher bail laws and more children's prisons will fail to improve community safety.
indigenous people
NT cop who shot teen writes letter, leaves the country
NT policeman Zachary Rolfe, who shot Indigenous teen Kumanjayi Walker dead, has penned an open letter defending his character and left Australia.
Opposition labels referendum a ‘vanity project’ for PM
The voice to parliament is a "re-election vanity project" for the prime minister who won't detail how the body will work, the deputy opposition leader says.
Yes campaign for voice launches with $5m donation
The "yes" campaign backing the Indigenous voice to parliament has received $5 million in philanthropic funding ahead of the referendum later this year.
Leader warns of risks in early release of voice model
Co-chair of the Uluru Dialogue says the referendum is a vote on the principle of the voice to parliament, with finer details to be worked out by parliament.
First Nations treaty bill tabled in Qld parliament
A Queensland government bill that sets out a proposed map to a treaty, including a new truth and healing inquiry, has been introduced to parliament.
Qld govt defends bail crackdown limiting child rights
The Queensland government says its criminalising breaching bail as part of its youth crime crackdown because the community has called for it.
WA mayors call for return of cashless debit card
Community leaders have met with Anthony Albanese after the prime minister held his cabinet in regional WA for the first time ever.
Ex-Nationals MP calls on voice ‘sceptics’ to open minds
Former Nationals MP Andrew Gee has joined the Indigenous Australians minister to encourage community support for the voice to parliament.
Torres Strait flooding fears as sea-level peak imminent
Traditional owners in the Torres Strait say rising sea levels continue to damage their islands, with fears an imminent tidal peak could inundate communities.
‘Don’t miss this opportunity’: PM warns voice opponents
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the Indigenous voice referendum is a chance to unite the nation as he cautions opponents over missed opportunities.
Dutton warns vote on Indigenous voice destined to fail
Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney is pleading with Peter Dutton to engage with the voice to parliament after he sharpened his language about failure.
Treaty vision includes new truth and healing inquiry
Queensland will set up a First Nations Treaty Institute and Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry under legislation to be introduced next week.
Embrace past failures, unite and back voice, urges PM
Peter Dutton has apologised for not attending the 2008 national apology while the prime minister has called on support for the voice to parliament.
‘Come to us’: Indigenous leaders’ message to Dutton
A group of Indigenous delegates is seeking talks with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton on the voice to parliament to make the proposal a bipartisan one.
‘Be proud’: Political unity plea for Indigenous voice
Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney has called for solidarity on the voice to parliament as the political debate is consumed by administrative details.
PM rules out taxpayer funding of voice campaigns
Anthony Albanese says public funds should not be used to finance the 'yes' or 'no' campaigns for the voice to parliament referendum.
Voice referendum mailout back on the agenda
A government bid to end mass mailing of referendum information faces defeat after concerns were raised by the federal opposition.
People still don’t know about voice, minister admits
Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney says there are many in the community who have yet to hear about the proposed voice to parliament.
Alcohol bans for crime-stricken Alice Springs camps
The Northern Territory government will introduce alcohol bans in central Australia to stop the sale of liquor in Indigenous communities and town camps.
Greens confirm support for voice referendum
The Greens will support a voice to parliament following an after-hours party room meeting and the departure of outspoken Senator Lidia Thorpe.
PM ups the ante on voice support as parliament returns
As federal parliament returns for the year, Prime Minister Albanese is focused on building support for an Indigenous voice.
Voice referendum question to be finalised by June
Government frontbencher Tony Burke says laws finalising the referendum question on the voice to parliament will be set by the second quarter of the year.
PM reveals why he is optimistic for referendum success
Anthony Albanese says Australians will have the opportunity to show the best of their characters in a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice to parliament.
Struggle to survive in Torres Strait Island ‘paradise’
Traditional owners in the Torres Strait Islands are being forced to leave their archipelago homes amid the soaring cost of living and lack of housing.
Albanese secures state and territory support on referendum
All state and territory leaders have signed a statement of intent to support the referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament.
NT alcohol ban report to be released next week
A report handed to the federal and Northern Territory governments has recommended alcohol bans while management plans are put in place, media reports suggest.
Liberals commit to further meetings on Indigenous voice
Australians are being called to support a referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament whether or not it is backed by all sides of politics.
PM eyes immediate response to Alice Springs crisis
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants to act as quickly as possible on the recommendations of a report into alcohol-fuelled crime in Alice Springs.
Indigenous voice has migrant community backing: PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected claims that ethnic groups are gearing up to campaign against a narrowly focused Indigenous voice.
‘Historic’ plans to combat child abuse and neglect
Two 10-year national action plans aim to reduce the number of children needing child protection services, improve responses to abuse and help close the gap.