2025-04-28
Building a future grounded in truth, justice and sustainability
By Senator Dorinda Cox
In the light of the Federal election, it’s important to look back at what we have achieved over the last few months. From holding the government accountable to introducing historic legislation, our movement for justice, cultural protection and community wellbeing continues to grow.
Measuring Outcomes for First Nations Communities
On Monday 14 April, the interim report from the Select Committee on Measuring Outcomes for First Nations Communities was tabled in Parliament. This important report highlights four Closing the Gap targets that are currently regressing: suicide rates, the number of children in out-of-home care, adult incarceration rates, and school readiness.
As Chair of the Committee, I recommended the Committee be reappointed in the 48th Parliament to ensure these issues receive the thorough investigation they demand. Disappointingly, Coalition Senators Price and Cadell declined to support this recommendation.
There comes a time in politics where the wellbeing of First Nations communities must rise above party lines. I will continue to push for evidence-based policy and accountability mechanisms to ensure progress is made. We cannot allow cuts and audits to replace genuine solutions. The work of this Committee builds upon the lived experience captured in the Jumbunna Institute's review and will be vital in reshaping a Closing the Gap framework that actually delivers for our people.
We All Come Together for Country Bill 2025
Last month, I introduced the We All Come Together for Country Bill 2025 to amend the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. This landmark legislation would ensure Australia’s ancient rock art and sacred sites are safeguarded from harmful industrial emissions and actions.
Sites like Murujuga on the Burrup Peninsula are living records of the world’s oldest continuous culture. Their protection is not just about cultural heritage, but also economic sustainability ‒ our unique cultural sites contribute billions to the tourism industry.
For too long, governments have failed to act, leaving our cultural sites exposed to climate-wrecking gas projects and corporate interests. This Bill establishes enforceable protections and provides the certainty that both Traditional Owners and industry have been calling for. It’s time for federal leadership to match the urgency of community voices demanding protection for Country.
Community Connections: Fremantle-Tangney Barbecue
In the spirit of community and grassroots politics, I had the pleasure of joining locals at the Fremantle-Tangney Barbecue this month. These gatherings are powerful reminders that change happens when we come together to listen, share and take action.
Across every conversation, the message was clear: people want justice, accountability, and a government that works for them ‒ not just big corporations.
Whether it's fighting for housing, affordable living, or climate justice, I am proud to be standing shoulder to shoulder with communities across Western Australia and beyond.
Forrest Event with Georgia Beardman, Greens Candidate for Forrest
I was pleased to meet up with the Greens Candidate for Forrest, Georgia Beardman, at Eagle Bay Brewing Co for an informal conversation about beer, fossil fuels, and our taxation system. We were joined by Renae Isaacs-Guthridge, Wardandi Custodian and lecturer at ECU, Hamish Coates from the Independent Brewer’s Association and Rocky Ridge, and a very engaged group of locals. In front of a spectacular southwest backdrop, we talked about how the taxation system is hurting small businesses while letting big businesses get away without paying their fair share. Right now, the Federal Government collects more revenue from the beer excise than it does from the Petroleum Resources Rent Tax. That means small businesses suffer while the gas industry makes tax-free super-profits. The conversation flowed freely and we covered a lot of ground! We’d all like to extend a big thank you to Bronte, Edge, Astrid and the team at Eagle Bay for hosting us.
Events in Durack with Greens Candidate for Durack, Brendan Sturcke
On Wednesday 23 April, I joined the Greens candidate and representatives from the Indigenous ‒ Aboriginal Party of Australia, the Legalise Cannabis Party, and Australia’s Voice for a cross-party panel at the Geraldton Multi Purpose Centre. The panel focussed on the cost of living crisis and explored real solutions for regional communities. While invitations were extended to all parties, we were proud to confirm the participation of these candidates who are ready to show up for local people.
On Thursday 24 April, I invited everyone to join us at the Batavia Brewery for a ‘Politics in the Pub’ event ‒ similar to our Forrest Event, we discussed the beer excise and PRRT.
On Anzac Day, I was honoured to attend the Geraldton RSL Dawn Service to pay my respects to all who have served.
Together, we are building a future grounded in truth, justice and sustainability.
Header photo: Senator Dorinda Cox and Adam Bandt at the National Press Club