2022-03-31
Last night, the Greens Senator for Victoria Lidia Thorpe successfully introduced a Private Senators Bill that will ensure this Country complies with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, or UNDRIP.
This Bill is the first step towards implementing UNDRIP into our laws, policies and practice. The Senate also passed a motion, introduced by Senator Thorpe and Senator Cox, that will establish an inquiry into the application of the UNDRIP.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the UNDRIP in 2007, after 144 countries voted in favor and Australia was one of four nations who voted against it. After endorsing UNDRIP in 2009, this Country is finally taking action thanks to the Greens.
The following lines are attributable to the Australian Greens Senator for Victoria: Gunnai, Gunditjmara and DjabWurrung woman Lidia Thorpe
“This is a historic development for the rights of First Nations people in this country. For too long, all levels of government have been making decisions about us, without us.”
“The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is about First Nations people having the final say on First Nations affairs. It’s about protecting our right to free, prior and informed consent on what happens to our Country, our culture and our people.”
“Senator Payne said in 2007 that something as important as the UNDRIP should not be rushed. For 15 years, successive governments have failed to act on UNDRIP. Last night, the Greens did.”
“First Nations people are strong and capable. We are proud to stand here with the backing of our Greens colleagues and give this Parliament and this Government solutions to the shame of this country’s past. Together, we can find a better way forwards.”
“The bill requires the Government to develop a fully funded national action plan to implement UNDRIP and to audit existing laws, so they are compliant with UNDRIP. It’s time to fix the broken system, and the Greens will get it done.”
“This is a big step forward for Blak justice in this country. This is what having Greens in Parliament can do.”