Additional comments from Senator Dorinda Cox
1.1First Nations peoples across this nation have never ceded their sovereignty. All throughout the history of colonisation, First Peoples have survived against all odds. This strength and resilience must be highlighted and culture celebrated in the context of the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
1.2The Australian Greens strongly believe that the implementation of UNDRIP into Commonwealth Law and the creation of a legislated framework must be a priority for the Federal Government and pursued as a matter of urgency. There is a desire for this from stakeholders, industry and community, as many of them are already commencing this work where they can. The Federal Government has a central role to play in leading this, providing incentives and a framework for this widespread implementation to occur.
1.3A prime example of this is how the Murray Darling Basin plan can be reviewed and amended to respect First Nations water rights and allow for cultural flows, which are distinct from environmental flows. The importance of water in First Nations culture is directly linked to the wellbeing of both individuals and communities, the protection of this is vital in the implementation of UNDRIP.Fundamentally UNDRIP contains four key principles:
Senator Dorinda Cox
Member
Senator for Western Australia
22 November 2023
An Inquiry into the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia
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