2023-02-13
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP has today announced Senator Dorinda Cox as the Party’s new First Nations spokesperson.
A proud Yamatji-Noongar woman, Senator Cox will guide the Greens’ policy work in an important year for First Nations peoples - which will see the Party campaign Yes on the Voice referendum, push the government for continued progress on Truth Telling and Treaty beyond the money allocated in the budget, and progress on First Nations justice.
Senator Cox will continue to hold the Greens’ Resources, Trade, Tourism, and Science portfolios.
Since being elected, Senator Cox has established the groundbreaking Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children Senate Inquiry, aimed at addressing the institutional failures leading to unacceptable rates of deaths of women, who are 35 times more likely to experience violence and 10 times more likely to be killed.
Responsibility for the Greens’ campaign and position on the upcoming Voice legislation and referendum will be shared with Adam Bandt as Leader.
A further decision will be made as to the holder of the Sports, Small Business, and The Republic portfolios in the coming period.
Lines attributable to Greens First Nations spokesperson Senator Dorinda Cox:
“It’s with gratitude and humility I take on the role of the Greens First Nations spokesperson in what is one of the most important years in a decade of action for the rights of First Nations people,” Senator Cox said.
“I come from a long line of powerful matriarchs, from the clans of the Kaneyang, Yued, Amangu and Wajarri peoples - and their knowledge and leadership will guide me as I push to make a difference in the lives of our people and of First Nations people across the country.
“As First Nations issues become central to the policy agenda, I feel that the tide is turning - and we are getting closer to genuine self-determination.
“I hope to pave the way for Blak women to see themselves in positions of leadership, as active participants in our democracy, to speak truth to power and shape politics in this country.
“My work in this portfolio will be grounded in our cultural knowledges, practices and protocols as I reach across the aisles of Parliament to bring everyone on this journey towards Truth Telling, Treaty and Voice.
Lines attributable to Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:
“Since being elected to Parliament, Senator Cox has continued her fight for the rights of First Nations peoples, and she will be an excellent spokesperson for the Greens” Mr Bandt said.
“In her time in the Senate thus far, Senator Cox has already established a Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children, shining a light onto institutional injustices that have created and perpetuated systemic violence.
“Dorinda has been working alongside Traditional Owners to stop Santos and Woodside from destroying land and sea Country, including the world's oldest rock art on Murujuga in the Pilbara.
“At a time when people are demanding Treaty and self-determination louder than ever, Dorinda is a fierce critic of how colonial structures have stuck their hooks into policy at all levels of this country.
“Dorinda will be an excellent advocate for First Nations justice, and I look forward to working with her to advance Truth, Treaty, and Voice.”