2023-05-29
The WA Labor Government is set to appoint a new party leader following the shock retirement of Premier Mark McGowan today.
Comments attributable to Australian Greens spokesperson for First Nations, and Yamatji Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox:
“Premier McGowan’s retirement is an opportunity for the WA Labor Party to step up and demonstrate leadership on First Nations issues.
“Yesterday Dr Brad Pettitt MLC and I marched in solidarity with First Nations community leaders and allies, and renewed our calls on the government to create an independent Truth-telling and Justice Commission in WA.
“Reconciliation is more than hosting a morning tea and giving voice to First Nations people this week. It’s about having the difficult conversations, listening to the lived experiences of First Nations people and acknowledging our shared history.
“I welcome a fresh, collaborative approach by the new Premier, whomever they may be, in tackling systemic injustices faced by mob everyday. This must be the new government’s priority.
“Blak kids are 16.7 per cent more likely to be removed than white kids in WA, the highest rate of all states and territories, and significantly higher than national average of 9.7 per cent.
“WA is failing terribly on First Nations incarceration, treatment of our young people in the justice system, deaths in custody, family violence, health outcomes for mob, and the list goes on.”