Country, Culture, People, Future

Parliament

Recognition in Western Australia’s constitution too

Posted: October 21st, 2014

Filed under: , , ,

Apart from the much better known conversation about recognition of Aboriginal peoples in the Federal constitution (see our previous blog post), YMAC is pleased to see that the State opposition has also recently begun to push for similar recognition in the Western Australian constitution as well.

And it has only just come to our attention that they are seeking comments on their suggested changes by this Friday, 24 October!

On Wednesday 11 June 2014, Labor member for the State seat of Kimberley, Josie Farrer MLA, first spoke in Parliament about the Constitution Amendment (Recognition of Aboriginal People) Bill 2014 she introduced. It was an amazing speech, click here.

Ms Farrer, a Gidja woman from east Kimberley, has introduced a Bill that is quite simple, because the WA constitution in many ways needs less fixing than the Federal one. There are important symbolic things that need to be changed. Find out more about the Bill and the reasons for the suggested changes Opposition Leader, Mark McGowan’s website, or call YMAC policy officer Cameron Poustie on 08 9268 7000.

WA really needs to get moving on this – every other mainland Australian state has changed its state constitution to recognises Aboriginal peoples. Please consider writing to Ms Farrer, even with just a short message of support, by email to her staff person at Ms Mala Croft at mala.croft@mp.wa.gov.au .

Applications Now Open for 2014 National Indigenous Youth Parliament

Posted: February 10th, 2014

Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,

Applications are now open for the 2014 National Indigenous Youth Parliament

The National Indigenous Youth parliament brings together 50 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16-25 from across Australia to meet in Canberra, discuss ideas, learn from mentors and present a number of draft bills to the Government.

Six Western Australians, aged 16-25 will be chosen to participate. The program involves of a training day in April with the other WA delegates, and a week of debate and professional development in Canberra in May with the delegates from all of the States and Territories.

Participants will be chosen based on their community involvement, ideas, and interest in government and the parliamentary process.

The program is run by the Australian Electoral Commission’s Indigenous Electoral Participation Program This is a unique opportunity for young people to learn how the system works, present their ideas to the Government, and connect with other future Indigenous leaders.

More information or to apply click here

 

Country is our mother, the provider and keeper of cultural belongings. Country and Culture go together. You can’t have one without the other.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians throughout Western Australia, and on whose Country we work. We acknowledge and respect their deep connection to their lands and waterways.

We honour and pay respect to Elders, and to their ancestors who survived and cared for Country.

Our offices are located on Whadjuk Country, Southern Yamatji Country, Yinggarda Country, Kariyarra Country, and Yawuru Country. We recognise the continuing culture, traditions, stories and living cultures on these lands and commit to building a brighter future together.

Disclaimer: Caution: Please be advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.

This will close in 15 seconds