Australia politics live: Thorpe puts forward motion on ‘shameful’ deaths in custody numbers; Victoria’s machete ban to come into effect tomorrow
The GuardianWednesday, July 30, 2025 at 11:58:19 PM
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has introduced a motion in parliament acknowledging the "shameful" deaths of 17 First Nations people in custody this year, offering condolences to their families. Meanwhile, Victoria's new ban on machetes and other bladed weapons officially starts tomorrow—a move tied to recent violent crimes.
Editor’s Note: Thorpe’s motion highlights Australia’s ongoing crisis of Indigenous deaths in custody, a deeply contentious issue with little progress despite years of advocacy. The machete ban, while unrelated, underscores how policy responses to violence often overshadow systemic injustices. Together, these developments reveal a tense political landscape where urgent social issues compete for attention—and action.
— Curated via WP Now’s
