Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss today paid tribute to Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, who has resigned from the frontbench and will not contest the next election.
“Ms Burney is an inspiring trailblazer who has been a tireless and courageous leader for First Nations peoples for decades,” Commissioner Kiss said.
“As an Indigenous woman, despite facing discrimination and hardship, she has broken through so many barriers and achieved many extraordinary ‘firsts’ including as the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the House of Representatives.
“In doing so she has made the road easier for the next generation of young Black women leaders following in her wake.
“As Minister for Indigenous Australians she delivered on the promise to our peoples to progress a referendum to change the constitution and give First Nations people a voice to Parliament.
“Ms Burney was a tenacious, resilient and gracious campaigner for the ‘yes’ case. While the outcome of the referendum was devastating, we will never forget her determination and her unshakeable optimism in achieving better outcomes for our peoples.
“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude and deep admiration for ther significant contribution to advancing the rights of First Nations peoples during her time in the Australian Parliament.”
