2023-11-16
Senator Cox has welcomed Pumbah the dingo to Parliament House in an event to highlight the need for dingoes to be protected.
Comments attributable to Greens portfolio holder for First Nations, Resources, Trade, Tourism and Sport, and Yamatji Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox:
“It is an honour to have six year old Pumbah the dingo and experts from the Australian Dingo Foundation and coordinators of the National Indigenous Dingo Declaration in Parliament House to highlight the cultural and environmental importance of protecting dingoes.
“Indigenous leaders, conservationists and graziers are joining calls for greater protection of dingoes. Dingoes are a fundamentally misunderstood animal that actually plays a vital role in our ecosystems and are deeply sacred to First Nations people.
“Dingoes and First Peoples have lived together on Country for tens of thousands of years with strong cultural significance across Australia. Dingoes are not dogs and all Australians need to understand and respect that difference.
“The National Indigenous Dingo Declaration was signed in September by representatives of more than 20 First Nations groups. The declaration addresses the fact that dingoes are genetically, physically and behaviourally different from domestic dogs, and must not be treated like dogs.
“The declaration says that the term ‘wild dog’ is not supported because it ‘diminishes the dingo and is a deliberate misrepresentation to justify killing’ of dingoes and that it ‘disrespects and disregards culture’ and I wholeheartedly agree.
“It is unacceptable that dingoes have been cruelly targeted by methods including trapping, shooting, poisoning and bounties which are often ineffective and are definitely inhumane.
“One of my daughters has the dingo as her totem and is taking her responsibility to protect it very seriously, even at a young age and I am so proud of her commitment to that obligation.”