Haemoparasites of Australian reptiles remain poorly documented, with much of the available knowledge derived from studies conducted several decades ago. Using archived blood smears, this study examined the occurrence, morphology, and host associations of haemoprotozoans in two gecko species (Gehyra dubia and Hemidactylus frenatus), two freshwater turtle species (Emydura macquarii krefftii and Muchelys latisternum), and an associated turtle leech (Placobdelloides bancrofti) from northern Queensland, Australia. A total of 332 gecko blood smears were examined, with no blood parasites detected, suggesting that infections were absent, rare, or below the detection threshold at the time of sampling. In contrast, protistan parasites were detected in 93% of 15 freshwater turtles examined, with high prevalence of both haemogregarines and trypanosomes and frequent co-infections. Morphological characteristics and developmental stages of haemogregarines were consistent with the genus Haemogregarina, and similar with Haemogregarina clelandi, representing a new geographic record. Trypanosome infections occurred as multiple trypomastigote morphotypes consistent with previous descriptions of Trypanosoma chelodinae and related forms. All 38 leech crop smears examined were positive for Trypanosoma spp., predominantly at the epimastigote stage, supporting the role of P. bancrofti as a vector of turtle trypanosomes in Australian freshwater systems. This study highlights marked contrasts in haemoprotozoan occurrence between terrestrial and aquatic reptiles, reinforces the importance of leeches in turtle parasite transmission, and demonstrates the value of archived blood smears for establishing historical baselines and addressing knowledge gaps in Australian reptile parasitology.

Artoria Thorell, 1877 is revised for the Northern Territory and Queensland. Three species are recorded from the Northern Territory: A. parvula Thorell, 1877 (♂♀, type species), A. superelliptica sp. nov. (♀) and A. vectis sp. nov. (♂♀). Twenty-seven species (including 18 new ones) are recorded from Queensland: A. albopilata (Urquhart, 1893) (♂♀), A. berenice (L. Koch, 1877) (♂♀), A. bicornuta sp. nov. (♂), A. catinata sp. nov. (♂♀), A. coclearia sp. nov. (♂♀), A. cunicularia sp. nov. (♂♀), A. geniculata sp. nov. (♂♀), A. globula sp. nov. (♂♀), A. grahammilledgei Framenau & Baehr, 2018 (♂♀), A. halterata sp. nov. (♀), A. hamifera sp. nov. (♂♀), A. laciniata sp. nov. (♀), A. lineata (L. Koch, 1877) (♂♀), A. lingulata sp. nov. (♂♀), A. mckayi Framenau, 2002 (♂♀), A. nasuta sp. nov. (♂), A. orcina sp. nov. (♂♀), A. proboscidea sp. nov. (♂♀), A. quadrata Framenau, 2002 (♂♀), A. reniformis sp. nov. (♀), A. scapulata sp. nov. (♀), A. semicircularis sp. nov. (♂), A. terania Framenau & Baehr, 2018 (♂♀), A. triangularis Framenau, 2002 (♂♀), A. velata sp. nov. (♂), A. victoriensis Framenau, Gotch & Austin, 2006 (♂♀) and A. werrikimbe sp. nov. (♂♀). This study also added 13 new species of Artoria to New South Wales, seven of these species endemic to the state—A. abscondita sp. nov. (♀), A. ancorata sp. nov. (♀), A. cucurbita sp. nov. (♀), A. limitata sp. nov. (♀), A. longinqua sp. nov. (♀), A. serpentidens sp. nov. (♂♀), and A. tenuis sp. nov. (♀), and one also occurring in the Australian Capital Territory—A. pedroi sp. nov. (♂♀). Summing up, 39 species are taxonomically treated in this paper, including 28 new ones. In addition, we propose the beaury and lingulata species-groups, and redefine the lineata species-group based on male and female genital characters.

Mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) remain a significant public health concern in Northern Queensland, Australia, with dengue virus (DENV), Ross River virus (RRV), and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) representing the most common pathogens. Wolbachia-based biological control programs have made notable contributions to reducing dengue transmission by suppressing Aedes aegypti vector competence. Recent surveillance data indicates increased MBV activity, with national case numbers nearly doubling between 2023 and 2024 and early 2025 data suggesting sustained transmission during seasonal peak. Traditional surveillance approaches, while highly valuable for disease monitoring, have limitations in detecting novel or divergent viral strains in real time. Over the past decades, more than 919 unclassified flaviviruses have been reported nationwide, including 117 in Queensland. The advent of metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches now enable enhanced, field-based detection of both known and emerging arboviruses. Strengthening mosquito control programs through continued Wolbachia releases, alongside integrated genomic surveillance, predictive modelling, and community engagement will enhance early detection, guide targeted interventions, and reduce the MBV burden in Northern Queensland. This integrated framework provides a strategic pathway to sustains and expand vector control effectiveness while safeguarding public health in high-risk regions.

ABSTRACT Understanding the relative influence of individual threats on species decline is essential for effective conservation planning. This is particularly challenging for species that declined historically, as early losses leave limited records from which to infer past distributions. The southern subspecies of the Squatter Pigeon (Geophaps scripta scripta), a granivorous bird from eastern Australia, experienced a substantial range contraction in the early 1900s. Reported causes of decline include land clearing, habitat degradation and feral predators; however, the relative importance of these threats has not been quantified. To address this gap, we developed an ensemble species distribution model (SDM) to evaluate the influence of environmental variables and threatening processes on the contemporary relative likelihood of occurrence (RLO) of the Southern Squatter Pigeon. We then hindcasted historical habitat extent using environmental conditions and threat distributions prior to European colonisation to infer how the subspecies’ range may have contracted. Contemporary suitable habitat was estimated at approximately 359,500 km2, primarily in central and northern Queensland. Hindcasting estimated a historical habitat extent of approximately 688,000 km2, representing an approximate 48% decline in RLO. Habitat losses were concentrated in inland New South Wales and southern Queensland. Among threatening processes, red fox density had the strongest negative association with Southern Squatter Pigeon RLO. Cat density was a comparatively weak negative predictor of Southern Squatter Pigeon RLO, and habitat condition showed only a minor influence. Overall, these findings identify the red fox as the primary threat to the Southern Squatter Pigeon.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem, and community outbreaks occur. We report an outbreak of TB with an unusual MPT64 negative status, first detected in North Queensland, Australia, in 2017-2018. A retrospective epidemiological and laboratory investigation into potentially linked cases was undertaken. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) phylogenetic and cluster analysis was performed. A confirmed outbreak case was defined as genomically closely related and a probable case as epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case, in the absence of WGS. Demographic characteristics and risk factors of outbreak cases were compared to other Australian-born cases in Queensland using univariate analysis. The aim of this study was to describe the outbreak, identify any associated risk factors and compare the epidemiological and genomic links between cases. Between 2002-2023, a total of 47 outbreak cases were identified: 44 (94%) were genomically linked and three (6%) were epidemiologically linked. Cases were all adults; 29 (64%) were male; 40 (89%) had pulmonary TB, of whom 30 (75%) were sputum smear positive. Compared to other Australian born cases, outbreak cases were more likely to be aged 25-44 years; to be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (First Nations peoples); to be residents of Central and Northern Queensland; and to experience a less successful TB treatment outcome (p < 0.05). Homelessness, previous incarceration, and substance use were significantly associated with being an outbreak case (p < 0.01). WGS analysis provided links for ten cases (24%) where no epidemiological links were identified. Ongoing local transmission of a unique TB strain has persisted in Queensland's First Nations communities and presents an opportunity to reconfigure TB prevention and care efforts in partnership with local communities. This study demonstrates the importance of integrating genomic data with traditional case investigation and contact tracing information, enhancing public health surveillance and targeted interventions to optimise TB management in high-risk populations.

Acute leukaemia (AL) is the most common childhood cancer globally. Children with AL who live outside of a major city experience poorer survival rates. Current literature exploring this survival discrepancy focuses on variables related to the patient and family. There is a gap in our understanding of the role of the non-metropolitan healthcare centre. Our study aims to identify how children with AL were initially managed in regional northern Queensland (NQ) hospitals, Australia. Our goal is to provide the necessary foundation for improvements in service delivery and reduce survival discrepancy associated with rurality. A multi-centre retrospective cohort study of all patients aged ≤ 16 years with AL who presented to all major NQ hospitals between June 2016 and July 2023 was conducted. Clinical and laboratory characteristics on initial presentation alongside initial management were collected from medical records and compared to internationally recognised gold standard recommendations. This study identified 40 patients. Children with febrile neutropenia received antibiotics at a median time of 3.5 h from initial presentation. There was no difference in fluid delivery (p = 0.29) or chest imaging (p = 0.20) in children with leucocytosis and/or peripheral blasts compared to children without these high-risk laboratory features. There was a difference in allopurinol administration (p = 0.04) dependent on leucocytosis and/or peripheral blast status. Eight (20.0%) children and their families did not receive social work support. Initial management of children presenting with AL to regional NQ hospitals differed from gold standard management. This study expands on existing dialogue through identifying which key areas of initial management require focused improvement regionally. Implementation of site-specific guidelines on initial management reflecting these findings may improve patient health outcomes regionally.

Spatial distribution of and socio-ecological risk factors for strongyloidiasis in Australia.

Monitoring underwater environments is crucial for industrial applications, providing data that can be used for reporting against corporate sustainability and environmental goals. This study presents a novel approach to integrating high-resolution underwater imaging and high-tech water quality sensing with deep learning models to detect fish, estimate turbidity in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), and analyze their interactions. An IP-based underwater camera and two advanced water quality sensors were deployed at the Port of Mackay (northern Queensland, Australia) to collect synchronized visual and water quality data. A significant portion of collected images lacked valid turbidity values due to camera and sensor synchronization issues. To address this, we developed a custom Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model for image-based turbidity estimation. Additionally, YOLOWorld-based prompt-able object detectors were used and evaluated for fish detection, with YOLOWorld-v1 Large emerging as the best choice, achieving 89.7% accuracy without any training. Our proposed CNN water turbidity estimation model gained root mean square error of 1.6 NTU. Using these deep learning models, we found a non-linear correlation between fish count and water turbidity with an R2 of 0.93. This finding is aligned with previous research and highlights the complex interplay of environmental factors in marine ecosystems, while showcasing how technological advances can streamline ecological studies. Downstream applications of this technology could include permanently installed underwater cameras in port waters that record real-time data. Management responses could then be automatically triggered when water quality parameters exceed threshold levels, providing early warnings and enabling timely actions to protect marine ecosystems.

Over the past few centuries, over 900 plant species globally have gone extinct in the wild; however, there are also hundreds of species that have been rediscovered after previously being considered extinct. We report the rediscovery of Ptilotus senarius A.R.Bean (Amaranthaceae) in northern Queensland, Australia, through the citizen science platform iNaturalist, 58 years after the last collection, and present photographs of the species. We discuss the strengths of iNaturalist that assist rediscoveries of extinct and long-lost plant species, including the facilitation of records from private land, rapid data availability, and its large network of botanical experts. We provide recommendations for accelerating species rediscovery through the platform.

In tropical northern Australia the intersection of workforce shortages, high turnover and geographic location impact workforce sustainability. Inevitably, business leaders find themselves considering how to build workforces within the constraints experienced in tropical regional areas. When it comes to workforce development, the enduring question is about talent acquisition and capability. This study focused on tropical northern Queensland, a region in northern Australia ripe for economic growth, yet impacted by workforce shortages. A rapid review of the literature identified and synthesised publications about workforce development in the region to identify the key workforce development strategies utilised. The literature review identified four overarching themes that characterise workforce development strategies in northern Queensland: individual capability, industry strategies, organisational strategies, and regionalisation. The study concludes that given the changing demographic, technological and societal landscape in the region, a multi-tiered approach is needed. The findings suggest that a workforce development ecosystem could create a path towards workforce sustainability for regional areas negating the internal versus external recruitment, retention and skills development dilemma. Workforce development ecosystems could support ongoing workforce sustainability for business development in the regions with characteristics similar to those of tropical northern Australia.

Introduction:Effective management of mental health crises is a growing global concern, significantly impacting emergency services. In New Zealand the New Zealand Police have begun reducing their involvement in mental health emergencies. This shift positions paramedics as primary responders in pre-hospital mental health crisis management. This current study conducts a comparative analysis of mental health legislation in New Zealand, Australian jurisdictions and the United Kingdom to assess how laws empower paramedics in mental health crises.Methods:A structured framework was employed to evaluate 12 key domains relevant to pre-hospital mental health interventions. These domains include criteria for involuntary detention, emergency detention and transportation powers, integration of services and legal protections for paramedics.Results:The analysis reveals that New Zealand’s Mental Health Bill (as introduced in 2024) emphasises reducing coercion and promoting culturally appropriate care but lacks provisions granting paramedics the authority to manage crises in isolation. In contrast, jurisdictions like the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland empower paramedics with greater legal authority and more integrated roles in mental health emergencies.Discussion:The absence of health-based legal tools and insufficient integration with mental health services in New Zealand may limit paramedics’ effectiveness in crisis management, potentially increasing reliance on police and delaying interventions. Recommendations include expanding paramedic authority in line with other jurisdictions and improving integration with mental health services. By adopting models from leading Australian jurisdictions, New Zealand paramedics will be better placed to manage mental health responses and support a reduction in police involvement.

This article explicates the contributions of two women botanical artists, Marian Ellis Rowan (1848–1922) and Vera Scarth-Johnson (1912–1999) to botanical science in northern Queensland. Despite the perception of botany as more accessible to women than other scientific fields, formal botanical institutions during the late Victorian era and early twentieth century remained male dominated. Within this context, Rowan’s privilege enabled her to navigate colonial and botanical networks, facilitating her access to the colonial frontier where she encountered and painted rare and newly identified plants. By contrast, in the late twentieth century, Scarth-Johnson expanded the scope of botanical illustration to encompass environmental activism and the inclusion of Indigenous ecological knowledge. Although Rowan and Scarth-Johnson operated in different historical and political contexts, collectively their work showed the entanglement of botanical science with broader environmental, cultural, and social issues specific to the Endeavour River valley in northern Queensland.

The predominately Asian bagworm moth genera Mahasena Moore and Manatha Moore are reported from Australia for the first time. In this country each genus is represented by a new and endemic species; Mahasena inornata Beaver sp. nov., and Manatha prolixa Beaver sp. nov., both from far northern Queensland. The taxonomic determinations made herein are based upon morphological examination and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Examination of the primary type specimen of the type species of the genus Claniades Bethune-Baker syn. nov., along with the sequencing of conspecifics from New Guinea, indicates that this genus is a junior subjective synonym of Mahasena, and its single species C. ekeikei Bethune-Baker is here treated as Mahasena ekeikei comb. nov. accordingly. Various literature records of M. corbetti Tams from New Guinea and the Bismark Archipelago are considered misattributions of M. ekeikei. In addition, we treat Psyche assamica Watt as nomen dubium, and reinstate Manatha scotopepla stat. reinst. as a valid species.

BackgroundEnhancing the retention of medical professionals in regional, rural and remote (RRR) areas requires a multi-faceted strategy that acknowledges and addresses the contextual barriers doctors face when deciding whether to continue practising in RRR hospitals. Gaining a deeper understanding of these factors can inform evidence-based workforce planning and policy development to mitigate the rural physician shortage across Australia. This study aimed to explore motivators and perceived barriers among junior medical doctors when choosing their training location- whether in RRR hospitals or metropolitan settings- during the early years of postgraduate training.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted using virtual one-on-one interviews. The setting included four Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) in Northern Queensland, Australia (Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and North West). Participants were doctors in training from intern level to postgraduate year 5 (including prevocational and early vocational doctors). Twenty-five interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically analysed, through an inductive approach.ResultsMost participants were female (n = 19) and aged under 29 years (n = 21). The motivations for choosing RRR hospitals among most Australian-trained doctors included proximity to family, a desire for adventure, rural upbringing, peer recommendations, and the availability of benefits through incentivisation schemes. For many recently graduated doctors, regional hospitals were considered the “right size”, offering a broad range of specialties without feeling lost in the crowd often associated with larger metropolitan hospitals. Barriers included limited job opportunities in rural settings, challenges in securing preferred rotations, social isolation, lack of camaraderie in the workplace, and the cost of living.ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the key pull and push factors influencing doctors’ decisions to train/ work in RRR areas. At both the HHS and national levels, these findings can help guide decision-makers and employers on where to invest to positively influence doctors’ choices regarding training and practice locations. A multifaceted approach is needed, with interventions tailored to doctors’ specific needs, particularly those that support family life, increase rural exposure, and offer competitive remuneration.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-025-13465-3.

Snails are known to be host of pathogens and parasites and they can play an important role in the transmission of some parasites and pathogens, including nematodes and trematodes of medical and veterinary importance. They have a diverse diet, and can be classified as detritivores, plant feeders, or carnivores. The datasets presented here include raw RNA-seq data of 10 terrestrial land snails collected in three locations in Australia, including Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia. The snails were identified morphologically, and RNA was extracted from whole organisms using a modified version of the Maxwell ® RSC simplyRNA Tissue Kit. The sequencing was performed in all samples and generated an average of at least 56 million paired-end reads per sample. RNA-seq raw reads and assembled transcripts including both host-derived and non-host sequences were deposited into a DRYAD repository. Assembled transcripts including only host data are also provided in this project. The dataset has reuse potential for environmental studies related to conservation biology, invasive species surveillance, disease research, educational purposes, development of bioinformatic tools for environmental transcriptomics or host-pathogen interactions. Moreover, the dataset can be used for benchmarking metatranscriptomic classification tools in non-model invertebrates.

Mumps is a highly contagious acute viral disease. We describe Australian mumps epidemiology, 2013-2021. National mumps notification, hospitalisation and death data were analysed by age group, Indigenous status, state/territory and vaccination status. There were 3,643 mumps notifications between 2013-2021 (average annual rate 1.65 per 100,000 population), with highest annual rates 2015-2018 (2.71-3.32 per 100,000 population). Average annual rates per 100,000 population for 2013-2021 and 2015-2018 were highest in the Northern Territory (15.8 and 35.2), Western Australia (4.7 and 9.5) and Queensland (2.6 and 5.0). Average annual rates per 100,000 population were higher in Indigenous people than other Australians in 2013-2021 (25.65 vs 0.82) and 2015-2018 (57.53 vs 1.10). Highest age-specific average annual rates per 100,000 population were in adolescents aged 10-19 years (overall 3.66, Indigenous 48.24 for 2013-2021; 7.60 and 108.52 for 2015-2018), followed by adults aged 20-29 years. Among mumps notifications with vaccination status recorded (n = 2,295 notifications), 64.2% had received ≥ 2 doses of mumps-containing vaccine and 18.1% had received one dose, with 17.7% unvaccinated. Between 2013-2021, 719 hospitalisations had mumps recorded as principal diagnosis (average annual rate, 0.34 per 100,000 population). There were 1-5 deaths coded with mumps as underlying cause of death. Mumps epidemiology was dominated by large outbreaks predominantly in fully vaccinated Indigenous adolescents/young adults. Mumps outbreaks among highly vaccinated adolescent/young adult populations have occurred overseas related to waning of vaccine-induced immunity, reduced boosting from wild-type virus circulation and high force of infection in close contact settings. A third dose of mumps-containing vaccine is not warranted routinely, but should be considered in the context of outbreaks occurring in high two-dose coverage settings.

Sugarcane is a globally important C4 crop traditionally bred for sucrose yield. However, its potential as a bioenergy crop depends on understanding lignocellulosic quality across developmental stages and environments. This study investigates the variability in fibre composition and theoretical digestibility among 17 sugarcane genotypes grown at two contrasting locations in northern Queensland. Plants were sampled at maximum vegetative growth and at peak sucrose accumulation. Fibre traits, including glucan, xylan, and lignin content, were quantified, and digestibility was estimated using cell wall composition ratios. The results revealed that digestibility declined with plant age, primarily due to increased lignin and xylan deposition. However, several genotypes maintained relatively high digestibility even at later stages. The study also identified substantial genotype–environment interactions influencing biomass quality. These findings suggest that harvesting sugarcane earlier in the cropping cycle, particularly when sucrose is not the main product, could improve fibre digestibility and biomass yield per unit time. This supports the use of sugarcane in circular bioeconomy systems and highlights opportunities for developing dual-purpose cropping strategies that align with sustainability goals.

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence and prevalence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Queensland during the period 2017–2021.Study designPopulation‐level retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data.Setting, participantsQueensland residents aged younger than 45 years for ARF and younger than 55 years for RHD, identified from hospital, emergency department, death and Queensland RHD Register records for the period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021.Main outcome measuresAge‐specific and age‐standardised incidence and prevalence of ARF and RHD; and age‐standardised incidence and prevalence ratios comparing Indigenous and non‐Indigenous populations.Results736 ARF episodes occurred among 670 people (395 [54%] female participants; 609 [83%] Indigenous). Of 4519 prevalent RHD cases aged < 55 years who were alive on 1 July 2021, 2655 (59%) were female, 2169 (48%) were Indigenous, and 1846 (41%) had severe disease. Previous ARF was recorded for 362 cases (8%). Among RHD cases aged younger than 25 years, 633 of 790 Indigenous individuals (80%) and 133 of 408 non‐Indigenous individuals (33%) had RHD Register records. Indigenous age‐standardised incidence (< 45 years) was 60.2 times higher (95% CI, 55.6–64.2) than non‐Indigenous incidence for first ever ARF, 68.6 times higher (95% CI, 62.3–72.5) for total ARF, and 18.9 times higher (95% CI, 13.5–24.1) for RHD. For Indigenous people aged < 55 years, prevalence was 22.6 times higher (95% CI, 16.2–27.3) for ARF/RHD, 18.4 times higher (95% CI, 12.9–24.1) for RHD, and 12.1 times higher (95% CI, 8.3–15.9) for severe RHD. The overall burden of ARF and RHD was highest in northern Queensland health districts, whereas cases in the non‐Indigenous population were concentrated in metropolitan south‐east Queensland.ConclusionsThe vast disparity in ARF and RHD burden between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Queenslanders indicates an urgent need for targeted, community‐led prevention strategies. Under‐representation of non‐Indigenous youth in the RHD Register suggests improved clinical awareness and reporting is needed. Further investigation is warranted to inform equitable responses.

People with kidney failure, unable to access kidney transplantation are disadvantaged in terms of their quality of life and overall survival. Despite this, regional, rural, and remote populations worldwide remain less likely to receive a kidney transplant and often experience unique difficulties throughout their transplant journey. This study aimed to explore the experiences of these kidney transplant recipients, including around current transplant processes to understand barriers to access for regional, rural, and remote populations. Focus group discussions were conducted either in-person or online with kidney transplant recipients from regional, rural, and remote areas of northern Queensland. Transcripts were analysed thematically with emerging themes mapped against constructs of Levesque's patient-centred healthcare access framework. Focus group participants (n = 30) included both deceased (90%) and living (10%) donor transplant recipients, with almost a third (30%) of which resided in rural or remote areas. Six themes were identified relating to access to kidney transplantation: facing hurdles to transplant assessment, insufficient communication and education, permeating psychosocial hazards, repercussions of distance, overwhelming financial strain, and troubling long-term adversities. Kidney transplant recipients from regional, rural, and remote areas of northern Queensland described significant barriers throughout their transplantation journey. These relate primary to their geographical distance from specialty kidney transplant services and the subsequent logistic, financial, and psychosocial challenges that arise. This study was not a clinical trial.

This article rigorously analyzes the disparity between the rhetoric of reconciliation and the real policy results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia post-2017. Even with national pledges towards reconciliation, especially after the Uluru Statement from the Heart was issued, numerous policy efforts are still more symbolic than revolutionary. The 2023 defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum highlights persistent public and political opposition to constitutional change. Using a qualitative descriptive-critical methodology, this study examines secondary data such as government documents, scholarly articles, and media outlets, concentrating on significant Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales. Thematic and critical discourse analyses reveal structural obstacles to authentic Indigenous involvement in policymaking, along with discrepancies between public backing and government action. The results show that top-down reconciliation initiatives frequently overlook Indigenous perspectives, leading to minimal policy adoption and restricted socio-economic effects. Insights from Canada and New Zealand reveal that approaches focusing on co-governance, treaty structures, and truth-telling produce better results in Indigenous justice and independence. The research finds that reconciliation in Australia continues to be rhetorical in the absence of structural reform, ongoing political commitment, and policies developed by the community. Suggestions involve enhancing Indigenous autonomy, creating an independent reconciliation body, and performing longitudinal studies on policy results. This study highlights the necessity of moving from symbolic actions to justice-focused reconciliation based on Indigenous sovereignty and leadership.