The fight for First Nations Justice continues

BY DORINDA COX
Yamatji-Noongar woman, First Nations portfolio holder for the Australian Greens

It’s been a difficult period for First Nations communities. The October 14th outcome of the referendum is not the result that so many of us had hoped for, and we share your sadness and disappointment. 

The Greens acknowledge the many First Nations Elders and activists across this country who have stayed strong and resilient in the fight, for generations. You have led a national conversation this year that will change this country’s future for the better.

For those who are feeling a sense of loss, like us, we say to you: the pathway to First Nations justice does not end with this result. There are many ways to advance First Nations justice – this was one way. There are many within reach.

There is formidable strength here. Right now, as activists and allies, we cannot relent. We must use the momentum of this national conversation to recalibrate and recommit.

The referendum campaign clearly demonstrated the need for truth-telling across this country. The violence that started with colonisation has continued to this day and misinformation and violent rhetoric was amplified during the campaign, led by several high profile conservative figures.

This Nation needs to have an honest and informed discussion about its history so we can speak the truth, heal and move forward together through Treaty or Treaties.

The Greens have already secured money in the last Federal budget for a Makarrata Commission, and we will be fighting to urgently advance Truth and Treaty. We will be working with First Nations campaigners across the movement to continue the campaign.

We’re also calling on the Albanese Labor government to lay the groundwork for lasting First Nations justice through a $250 million commitment to a Truth and Justice commission.

A commitment to a Truth and Justice Commission would begin the process of recognising and repairing the harms of 234 years of injustice, and allow our country to come together in an honest conversation where everyone has access to the truth

National truth processes played a vital part in healing processes in Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. In May 2021, Victoria established the Yoorrook Justice Commission, which has the powers of a Royal Commission, to hear, record and address the truths about First Peoples' experiences of colonisation in Victoria from 1788 to now. 

A national Truth and Justice Commission would work alongside and in support of local and state level truth-telling processes, and would help initiate processes in regions and states where none currently exist.

Until we tell the truth about our past and begin work towards a Treaty with First Nations people that recognises our sovereignty, there will be a painful hole in the centre of our democracy.

The Greens are committed to the ongoing fight for transformative change; for justice, self-determination and Sovereignty through truth-telling and Treaty, implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), protecting Country, heritage, languages and culture.

It’s time to show ambition. It’s time to use this moment to drive the real change that will come through Truth and Treaty and the affirmation of First Nations Sovereignty. 

I want to thank the First Nations campaigners and allies we campaigned with right across the country for your tireless efforts throughout the campaign. The Greens are so proud to work alongside such powerful activists and changemakers fighting for a better future.

The fight for justice and for self-determination continues.