Senator Dorinda Cox: First Speech
The best way to change the Parliament is to change the people in it.
Senator Dorinda Cox is a Noongar Bibbulmen Yamajti woman who comes from a long line of powerful matriarchs. With a strong record of working for social justice in her communities; locally, globally and nationally.
On 18 October 2021, Dorinda became the first Aboriginal woman to represent Western Australia in the parliament. A day later Dorinda addressed the Senate.
Dorinda starts this speech in the Noongar language, the ancient mother tongue of the Noongar Bibbulemen people of Boorloo (Perth) where she lives, works and raises her children.
“Nitja boodja, ngany moorn moort boodja, kedalak, yey yoowart bibool nyitiyung wer ngany moort.” [Noongar]
“Sovereignty of this country remains as there are no treaties with the First Peoples of this country.”
As a survivor and campaigner against family violence and discrimination, Dorinda uses her first speech to call for a national inquiry into the Missing and Murdered First Nations Australian women
“We are 35 times more likely to experience violence and 10 times more likely to be killed.”
“My passion for breaking new ground across the stereotypical understandings and norms signal that I might be the first – but not the last. My footprint in this place casted in history-making actions should provide motivation and hopefully restore some hope and inspiration for many as we work to fight our future TOGETHER.”
“Nganhu Garrimanah Malga Brily Marlbayiminah” [Wajarri Yamatji]
“We stand strong Together and Rise Up.” – Senator Dorinda Cox
Complete transcript:
https://dorinda-cox.greensmps.org.au/speeches/dorinda-cox-first-speech
Follow Dorinda on other channels:
https://twitter.com/dorinda_cox
https://www.instagram.com/dorindaforsenate/
https://www.facebook.com/dorindaforsenate
Key moments from Senator Dorinda Cox’ first speech:
00:03 Introduction in Noongar
01:36 Introduction in English
04:20 The year was 1994…
06:54 A message for WA
08:24 The truth of modern-day Australia
09:54 Treaty
11:46 Surviving Stolen Generations
15:39 Staunch Blak Feminist
18:42 Caring for Country
21:44 Breaking new ground
23:47 Fighting for the Future
24:26 Conclusion in Wajarri Badimaya
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Articles around Dorinda’s entry into Parliament:
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/kimberley/programs/breakfast/senator-dorinda-cox/13598940
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