The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to build a safer New South Wales for Aboriginal women and children experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence by investing $3.8 million in a first-ever domestic and family violence specific Aboriginal Community Safety Grant program.

Subjects: Northern Territory Coroner findings, First Nations deaths in custody, Justice Reinvestment, NAIDOC Week.

Subjects: NAIDOC Week, Northern Territory Coroner findings, Yoorrook Commission, East Melbourne Synagogue attack

BRIDGET BRENNAN, HOST: Let's get more on some of the big stories around the country, including the National NAIDOC Week Awards. The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy joins us now from Parliament House. A very happy NAIDOC Week to you, Minister.

TRISH COOK MP, MEMBER FOR BULLWINKEL: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here. Today we are honouring John Curtin on 80 years since his passing. John Curtin was one of Australia's best prime ministers, and we're here at his home here to see how he lived in those times. As you know, he led Australia through World War II. I'm Trish Cook. I'm the Federal Member for Bullwinkel, and I'm here today with Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman. The electorate of Bullwinkel is also named after, World War II great Australian, Vivian Bullwinkel.

"His country was his pride
His brother man his cause."

These simple words from John Curtin’s tombstone explain why we gather to pay thanks to his leadership. Recognised locally and globally, granted freedom of the City of London, honorary Doctor of the University of Cambridge, Member of the Privy Council. But it was Australia that was his cause. Serving as Australia’s Prime Minister his greatest honour. And here at 24 Jarrad Street, Cottesloe he built the path for himself and for Australia.

As his daughter Elsie Macleod recalled:

Ahead of NAIDOC Week (6 – 13 July 2025), the dedication of the Masigilgal Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) has today been celebrated with a ceremony on Masig Island in the Torres Strait - locking in traditional land and sea management practices and local jobs.

The new IPA is located within the Kulkalgal nation of the central Torres Strait region, Queensland, and covers 245 hectares of land across 11 uninhabited coral cays and islands.

Good evening, everyone.

As a Yanyuwa Garrwa woman from Borroloola I wish to pay my respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands we are gathered on, the Whadjuk Nyoongar people.

I am so pleased to be with you all for the National NAIDOC Awards.

NAIDOC Week 2025 marks an extraordinary milestone this year – 50 years.

What began in 1975 as a small grassroots movement for recognition and rights has evolved into an annual, week-long celebration of the world’s oldest continuing culture.

The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, has congratulated the winners of the 2025 NAIDOC Awards.

The winners were announced tonight at the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Perth, ahead of NAIDOC Week celebrations across the country.

This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week celebrations, this year’s NAIDOC Week theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.

The NAIDOC Awards recognise individual excellence and celebrate the strength, culture and leadership of First Nations people.

It is wonderful to join the Traditional Owners here this morning.

I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also acknowledge the sad news of the passing of a loved one and probably so many as well in the years that Gunlom has been closed.

I'd like to firstly acknowledge the Traditional Owners, in particular the fact that we are gathered on Jawoyn Country, the Bolmo, Matjba and Wurkbarbar clans.

I thank the Traditional Owners from the bottom of my heart for the way you've been able to walk forward but also stand strong.

Thank you to the Regional Capitals Alliance of Western Australia and the Kimberley Regional Group for inviting me today. This is my third year presenting to this forum. As a ‘sometimes’ guitarist, I know you do not usually get an encore unless your last performance was somewhat decent!

And as a proud West Australian and a Parliamentarian it is great to be here and to again have an opportunity to speak to you about the Albanese Government’s commitment to our regions.