2021-10-31
Off and running in the Senate, and picking up the pace for the next Federal election
By Senator Dorinda Cox
Since being preselected almost 12 months ago to fill the casual vacancy left by former Senator Rachel Siewert, there has been so much learning, growth and adventures as the lead Senate candidate, and now as your Greens (WA) Senator. Last week I was sworn in the Federal Parliament as the first Aboriginal woman from WA to the Senate ‒ making history.
It's been a busy month, joining hundreds of others to walk the Yooreel Bidi track to State Parliament, where I was confirmed as Senator-elect for WA, and began this incredibly important work, meeting with stakeholders and community members from right across our vast state on a wide array of issues. In just a few short weeks we’ve already been on two trips, had countless meetings and begun planning campaign work that will take us right through to the election.
My inaugural speech in the Senate has been reported in Green Magazine and a video of that speech can be seen here.
This election will be our chance to not only re-elect a First Nations voice to Parliament, but also to ensure that the Greens are there pushing Labor further and faster on climate action, among many other important issues. I am honoured to be able to continue the work of Rachel Siewert, and have taken on the portfolios of Mining and Industry, Science, Research and Innovation and Trade and Investment. It has been excellent to get to work alongside my colleagues in the Federal parliament and start advocating for grassroots change.
There will be lots to do and many people to meet over the coming months as we storm towards a 2022 Election, but I sincerely look forward to working alongside each and every one of you on this history making journey. See you out there!
Header photo: Presentation of Dorinda's Booka (Kangaroo skin cloak) at Yooreel Bidi walk to WA Parliament House on 14th September. Tashi Hall