Speaking Out

Politics, arts and culture from a range of Indigenous perspectives.

Politics, arts and culture from a range of Indigenous perspectives.

Tasha James take you back in time to meet two remarkable women who quietly transformed the Australian country music scene.

Timmy Duggan is transforming health, wellbeing and leadership outcomes for First Nations people through the power of sport.

In conversation with Dhangatti and Gumbayngirr man, Ray Kelly Snr. 

On 23 August 1966, Vincent Lingiari led a walk off at Wave Hill Station alongside Aboriginal stockmen, domestic workers and their families protesting against low wages and working in harsh conditions.In this episode of Flashblak we look at how it became a turning point for Aboriginal land rights, justice and self-determination.

We feature highlights from this year's Garma Festival in remote north-east Arnhem Land. 

The right of First Nations people to control data relating to their communities, lands, and cultures. 

This weeks FlashBlak takes you back to the 1994 Commonwealth Games where a young Cathy Freeman sparked debate carrying the two flags that represent her country and her culture.

The late Geoffrey Shaw's enduring commitment to self-determination and advocacy for issues facing Aboriginal people saw him serve as the inaugural ATSIC Commissioner for Central Australia. 

Journalist, writer and producer Allan Clarke talks about his journey from the small town of Bourke to being one of the most trusted voices in First Nations media.His ground-breaking work on the award-winning Podcast, Blood on the Tracks has redefined what it means to be an Investigative journalist and giving a voice to stories that are often overlooked.And learn about the unknown history of out Indigenous Socceroos with 'Flashblak' - a new fortnightly series diving into ABC's archives.

With the FIFA 2026 World Cup over, we're still thinking about some of the deadly soccer players who have represented our mob over the years.This week's FlashBlak we look back on the long legacy of our Indigenous Socceroos who have paved the way for the next generation and continue to work to increase the representation of First Nations people in sport.

Professor Lorena Allam delivers a keynote speech at the Australian Historical Association Conference.

In 2019 Playschool welcomed Kiya — a new Aboriginal doll — to its soft and cuddly cast. 

We reflect on five decades of NAIDOC and discuss the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities communities.

Naomi Moran on the evolution of Indigenous media and her role as NSW Treaty Commissioner

his week on Speaking we feature a conversation between two Inspiring voices.Emeritus Professor and writer Stan Grant sits down with Professor and playwright Wesley Enoch to discuss his new book When Words Fail Us, Truth Beyond Time.Exploring how listening to each other's philosophies and ideas can move us towards reconciliation and think about the possible futures for First Nations people - and the future of the country.

Remembering Aunty Elsie Heiss, Wiradjuri Elder and Catholic Religious Leader. 

Victor Steffensen outlines the process behind his latest book.

Reflecting on the legacy of composer and musical director, David Page, who helped laid the foundations of Bangarra Dance Theatre with his memorable songlines.His Brother Stephen Page joins us talk about the latest production called 'Sheltering' that features Davids music and uses existing works, to explore a multitude of Indigenous experiences. Then later, Aunty Lowitja O'Donoghue is immortalised in a statue unveiled on the banks of Kaurna Country in Adelaide

Melissa Luckashenko details her creative process. 

Highlighting conversations with Indigenous leaders who have shaped the way we think and have transformed the way we see the world.

From the streets of Redfern with Aunty Bronwyn Penrith, to Western NSW with Riverbank Frank, exploring how our Aunts and Uncles continue to be such big influences in our grassroots community.

Conversations with trailblazers in the creative industries who use their talents in theatre, visual arts and beyond, to tell stories of our people. 

This week we feature Trailblazers in First Nations communities including writer Tony Birch, and former Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney.

This week Speaking Out continues to take look back on some of Larissa's favourite conversations with inspirational Indigenous Women. 

We take a look back at the past decade in Indigenous Affairs.

Dr Chris Sarra shares his widely celebrated work on reforming the education system and making it more culturally appropriate for Indigenous students. 

Aunty Rhoda Roberts, was a trailblazer in the arts and media scene. We reflect on her legacy and the impact she has made on Indigenous communities across the country and the world.And, Aunty Muriel Bamblett talks about a new peak body to tackle family, domestic and sexual violence against First Nations Women.

A new report details racism experienced by Indigenous employees and explores why it's important ensure workplaces are culturally safe.

The recently released, Child Rights Report 2025, outlines the major issues faced by First Nations children and young people in Queensland. 

In Conversation with Dan Bourchier, from washing windows at his local newspaper in Tennant Creek, to now being the General Manager of NITV. His in-depth coverage of issues in Indigenous communities is what makes him a prominent figure in First Nations media.And, Aunty Pat Turner announces she'll be stepping away from public life after more than half a century fighting for our people. 

Karen Iles on the alleged failures of the justice and coronial systems.

Tony Birch and Eddie Cubillo Each use their lived experience to challenge peoples perspectives and make small moments into a powerful lessons to learn from, with their newly released books. 

How can we protest in an environment that is at times unsafe and censored? 

Dr Terri Janke started her own law firm in the late 90s to now being an advocate for artists, journalists and writers, protecting them from the fast growing world of A.I We hear about her extraordinary journey, as a Lawyer, Mentor and advocate for the next generation of artists. ives.

This week we dive deep into where we are with treaty in this country. Looking closely into processes across the country, starting with Victoria

In Conversation with award winning ABC  journalist Isabella Higgins, we talk with her about her new role as host of ABC Radio National AM program.

Truth-telling is not just changing what we know - it's changing who gets to know it, who gets to tell it, who gets believed when they speak.

Looking back on the past 12 months in Indigenous affairs with Lindon Coombes and Lorena Allam.

Two of the biggest advocates for young people and children highlights issues, from Juvenile justice to childcare reform, what is working and what needs to change?

Bringing to light stories that have been in the background of our history books.

Taking a look at the ABC doco End Game and how big organisations can support First Nations players and leaders, standing up against racism in sport.

Larissa talks with journalist Lorena Allam and author Angie Faye Martin about the intersection between fact and fiction in Martin’s debut novel 'Melaleuca'.

Munanjahli and South Sea Islander woman, Professor Chelsea Watego, talks about her new book 'Black Thoughts Matter', and owning your own narrative as a First Nations academic.

Archie Moore's award winning work 'kith and kin' comes home to Brisbane.Larissa speaks with journalist David Marr and Writer Cheryl Levy examining the impact of  tracing his family history through archives and coronial records, and how that reflected kinship and connection.

Artist, curator and storyteller Uncle Djon Mundine, a fierce custodian of truth talks about career using his work to form a bridge between contemporary art and traditional Aboriginal knowledge systems.

Ginny Jones and Dr Amy McQuire, talk about how they started the Disappeared Peoples Project -  supporting Aboriginal families in finding their disappeared loved ones.

Tony McAvoy joins me to discuss the Racial Discrimination Act and how it has impacted First Nations peoples, 50 years since it was enacted.

Legendary photographer Mervyn Bishop reflects on his life behind the lens, and how he crystallises moments.