Greens call for Uluru statement implementation

By PETER ROWE

The Greens have called again for the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a First Nations led pathway forwards towards healing as King Charles III makes his first visit to Australia as reigning sovereign.

“After the failure of the Voice Referendum, which included the constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Peoples, this visit occurs during a crucial period of Australia’s history,” a Greens press statement said on Monday.

“This visit will be difficult for many First Nations people, who still feel the injustice every day of colonialism, especially our stolen generations, which are perpetuated through systemic and structural racism and discrimination,” Greens Senator Dorinda Cox said.

Senator Cox, who holds the First Nations portfolio said that visiting memorials and attending charity events is not changing the injustices and unacceptable rates of deaths of Indigenous people in Australia.

Independent Senator Lydia Thorpe stages a protest in Canberra on Monday.

The Greens have introduced the first Federal Truth and Justice Commission Bill. This, they sau, will allow for First Nations led, trauma informed truth telling to fully implement all pillars of the Uluru Statement.

A Truth and Justice Commission would capture Australia’s pre colonial, colonial and collective history, while “forging towards healing and a pathway forwards for Australia’s diverse and vibrant communities.”

The bill is yet to be supported by Labor, who are turning their backs on First Nations justice and walking away from their election promise.

* Read Senator Cox’s powerful comment piece in our Opinion section – Royal visit a painful reminder of colonial injustice