Queensland gives its support for Wiyi Yani U Thangani

The Palaszczuk Government has announced its support for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) Report and project.

Attorney-General and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman today signed a statement of support of Wiyi Yani U Thangani.

“Wiyi Yani U Thangani represents a watershed moment in ensuring the voices of First Nations women and girls are heard as part of the national conversation,” Minister Fentiman said.

“This Government recognises how important the views and goals of First Nations women are, which is why we have included a statement of support for the report and project in the new Queensland Women’s Strategy.”

Led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO, Wiyi Yani U Thangani marks the first time since 1986 that First Nations women and girls have been consulted as a collective about their rights, needs and aspirations

“As part of her consultation Commissioner Oscar spoke to over 2000 women and girls from over 50 locations around the country, from urban centres to remote communities,” Minister Fentiman said. 

“The report highlights that First Nations women and girls are the backbone of their communities. They are strong, resilient and succeed in all walks of life.

“However, too often these contributions and successes have not been given the recognition or value they deserve and have often been over-looked by governments and our institutions.

“As part of the new women’s strategy we are determined to give First Nations women the recognition they deserve and the opportunity to have their say in all we do.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford, said this was an important step in ensuring the voices of all Queensland women were heard. 

“I am so proud that the Palaszczuk Government has signed the statement of support for Wiyi Yani U Thangani,” Minister Crawford said.

“We are committed to contributing to the achievement of the objectives of Wiyi Yani U Thangani through our own strategies and programs for Queensland’s First Nations women and girls.”

Today’s announcement of support builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to closing the gap in Queensland and the release of our Path to Treaty report.

“This is about overcoming significant injustices that still persist in our society and is an important step towards building a better future for Queensland,” Minister Crawford said.

For more information on the Queensland Women’s Strategy visit: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/about-us/services/women-violence-prevention/women/queensland-womens-strategy

For more information about Queensland’s Path to Treaty visit:

https://www.dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au/our-work/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-partnerships/reconciliation-tracks-treaty/tracks-treaty/path-treaty

ENDS

Media Contact: Phoenix Campbell 0439 949 719