Refine results
-
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice14 December 2012Speech
Reflection on the 1967 Referendum and Multiculturalism Position Paper
Good evening distinguished guest, ladies and gentleman. Friends, I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice30 January 2014Opinion piece
We need to fix the Constitution, says Social Justice Commissioner
Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the nation’s Constitution is a waste of time, 2UE Drive host Justin Smith recently argued . There are many things the Constitution doesn’t recognise, he said, the document is dull, and we would be better off if we paid attention instead to the words we use every day. I agree with Mr Smith on one point: the Constitution isn’t a page ... -
Commission – General14 December 2012Speech
Why we need an Australian Bill of Rights - a Joint Forum
The first is that HREOC has been suggesting for a considerable time that there needs to be renewed public debate on whether Australia should have a charter of human rights of some sort. It seems that the launch of the New Matilda campaign will give momentum to such a debate. A lot has changed, both nationally and internationally since the unsuccessful attempts of the 1970s and the 1980s to interest Australians in a bill of rights. As is so often said, Australia has now become the only major Western democracy that does not have a bill of rights. -
27 November 2015Book page
The need for better engagement - Year in review
1.1 Introduction In last year’s Social Justice and Native Title Report , I raised concerns about the changes resulting from the 2014-15 Budget and the restructure to Indigenous Affairs through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS). Despite initial concerns about how these changes would impact our communities, I indicated that the streamlining of programs and the move away from a ‘one size fits ... -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice27 May 2024Media Release
Social Justice Commissioner: now more than ever, Australia must reconcile with its First Nations people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss, has marked the start of Reconciliation Week by calling on Australians to finally overcome generations of disadvantage and division when it comes to First Nations rights, and forge a path for unity. The Commissioner warned that systemic failures facing Indigenous communities in all sectors of society including health ... -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice27 January 2021Opinion piece
Can January 26 ever be the day that all Australians unite and rejoice in our sense of collective belonging?
OPINION: I want to celebrate being Australian and I want to celebrate our remarkable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander civilisation. But every year I brace myself for the 26th knowing that it is not the day we can do this. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice5 July 2021Opinion piece
Return to country endangered by failure to invest
Covid-19 has triggered the most significant return to country by First Nations people since the homeland movement commenced in the 1960s. Thousands, like myself, returned to remote communities out of necessity. Facing the unknown, our family leaders who could made the courageous decision to gather loved ones and travel out to country, with minimal resources. Importantly, Australian governments ... -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice13 September 2021Opinion piece
Incorporating UNDRIP into Australian law would kickstart important progress
Given the challenges we face collectively, it is all too seldom that the world's First Nations peoples are able to come together to develop shared solutions. When we do, we achieve great things. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice29 May 2019Opinion piece
Indigenous Australians can be bystanders no longer
Two years ago, we gathered in the red dust for a ceremony at Uluru and offered a gift to all Australians. There was a great sense of hope about what this gift could deliver. A new beginning, an opportunity to re-define who we are as a country. A country that celebrates its First Peoples and resets the relationship between all Australians for a better future. Despite the recent setbacks and the ... -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice24 May 2023News story
Uluru Statement anniversary
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO said she’s encouraged by the growing support among Australians for the Uluru Statement from the Heart. On the second anniversary of the Uluru Statement, Commissioner Oscar has recalled how she felt, when she took part in the ceremony to present the Statement to all Australians. “There was a great sense of hope ... -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice24 May 2023News story
Uluru Statement calls for First Nations’ voice in the constitution
To resounding applause, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates from across the country have agreed to a landmark Uluru Statement calling for the establishment of a First Nations’ voice enshrined in the constitution. "We, gathered at the 2017 National Constitutional Convention, coming from all points of the southern sky, make this statement from the heart. "Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait ... -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice25 August 2022Speech
Sir Wallace Kyle Oration
Jalangurru lanygu balangarri. Yaningi Yatharra ngindaji muwayi indirranggu, Kaurna yani U. It is wonderful to be here with you today on Noongar Boodja country. I would also like to acknowledge all the country from around this state and beyond that people may joining in from online. My deepest respects to all our elders past, present and emerging. I would like to express my thanks to Michelle Scott ... -
14 December 2012Book page
Chapter 2: Constitutional reform: Creating a nation for all of us - Social Justice Report 2010
A century ago, the Australian people engaged in a debate about creating a nation. They held meetings...They wrote articles and letters in newspapers. Many views were canvassed and voices were heard. The separate colonies, having divided up the land between them, discussed ways of sharing powers in order to achieve a vision of a united Australia. The result was the Australian Constitution, establishing the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice6 June 2017Speech
Mabo Lecture - National Native Title Conference 2017
Speech given at the National Native Title Conference, Townsville Introduction in Bunuba Yaningi warangira ngindaji yuwa muwayi ingirranggu, Gurambilbarra Walgurakaba yani u. Balangarri wadjirragali jarra ningi – gamali ngindaji yau muwayi nyirrami ngarri thangani. Yaningi miya ngindaji Muwayi ingga winyira ngarragi thangani. Yathawarra, wilalawarra jalangurru ngarri guda. I stand here today on the ... -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice14 December 2012Speech
Site navigation
Good evening distinguished guests, my Indigenous brothers and sisters and non Indigenous friends. May I begin by acknowledging the Wurrundjeri People of the Kulin Nation on whose land we are meeting on tonight, and thank the dancers for cultural expression and your welcome to country. Thank you also to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Johnson for your introduction, and to La Trobe University for inviting me to present this year’s Hyllus Maris Memorial Lecture. May I also acknowledge Ms Lois Peeler and the other family members of Hyllus Maris who are with us tonight. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice14 December 2012Speech
Constitutional reform: moving towards reconciliation (2011)
It is with respect and gratitude I acknowledge that we sit on the lands of the Cammeraigal People of the Curingai Nation and I thank the Traditional Owners for allowing us to do so. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice14 December 2012Speech
Site navigation
I would like to thank Professor Larissa Behrendt, Professor Martin Nakata, the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, and the Reconciliation Working Party at the UTS, for hosting this event. And I acknowledge my distinguished fellow speakers. -
Legal14 December 2012Webpage
Commission submissions: Katinyeri
1. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission ("the Commission") by notice of motion dated 24 December 1997, has sought leave to intervene in these proceedings pursuant to ss.11(1)(o)of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 (Cth) ("the Act") relying upon the affidavit of Christopher Dominic Sidoti sworn on 24 December 1997. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice14 December 2012Speech
Speeches 2007: 40 years on: what does the ‘Yes’ vote mean for Indigenous Australians?
Anglicare, Tasmania Annual Social Justice Lecture 22 August, 2007 TOM CALMA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner National Race Discrimination Commissioner Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice14 December 2012Speech
Can the end ever justify the means?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and acting Race Discrimination Commissioner, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission