Australia’s new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss says the country must work to soothe division in the wake of last year’s Voice referendum.
The Queenslander took the reins on April 3 and said Australia must prioritise finding ways to heal and soothe divisions, which included making meaningful progress in addressing discrimination experienced by First Nations communities.
Commissioner Kiss said her immediate focus was to meet with First Nations communities around the country, hearing their perspectives on the most pressing matters facing their people.
“If we are going to improve the lives of First Nations Peoples, and if we are serious about reconciliation, healing, and unifying the nation, the voices of First Nations Peoples must be front and centre,” Commissioner Kiss said.
“I want to hear what communities think their priorities are, whether it be about Closing the Gap, youth justice reform, Native Title, truth-telling and treaty, or combatting racism and other structural barriers.
Commissioner Kiss is a proud Kaanju and Birri/Widi woman who grew up in Rockhampton, Central Queensland on the lands of the Darumbal People.
She was previously the Executive Director of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body supporting Queensland’s Path to Treaty, and held senior positions in the Queensland Government, including Chief of Staff to the Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Premier.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner is a statutory position relating to the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This includes undertaking research and education projects to promote respect for, and the enjoyment and exercise of human rights by, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
