- During the Senate session on February 13, 2025, significant discussions centered on Indigenous Affairs, particularly around the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Amendment (Consideration of UNDRIP) Bill 2023. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe strongly advocated for the bill during its second reading. She highlighted the importance of integrating the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into legislative considerations, emphasizing the critical need for the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to incorporate this perspective when reviewing laws (page 1).
- Thorpe criticized the Labor party for failing to implement meaningful policies that support Indigenous rights and noted that political motives hinder genuine progress for First Nations peoples. She called for support across party lines to enforce rights recognized in international agreements (page 1).
- In response, Senator Lisa Darmanin from the Australian Labor Party (ALP) reiterated the government’s commitment to UNDRIP principles, particularly highlighting the Closing the Gap initiative aimed at improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians (page 2).
- Senator Dorinda Cox voiced her support for Thorpe’s advocacy. She called for a broader definition of human rights within Australia and criticized the ongoing delays in addressing Indigenous issues (page 4).
- The discussion became contentious when the government expressed its unwillingness to support the amendment that would allow the consideration of UNDRIP by the Human Rights Committee, arguing that existing frameworks were sufficient for protecting Indigenous rights (page 6).
- Thorpe continued her push for the amendment, insisting on a more robust legal structure to protect Indigenous Australians from continued injustices. She and other senators expressed concerns that political maneuvering should not interfere with urgently needed legal protections (page 6).
- The Senate saw multiple divisions concerning motions to back UNDRIP, revealing a complex political landscape, where crossbench senators significantly influenced the outcomes between party lines (page 6-9).
- The session also included discussions about the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, particularly regarding land transfers, with Thorpe moving for specific documents relevant to this issue to be presented in Parliament (page 37).
- The overall motions and bills discussed in relation to Indigenous affairs underscored ongoing challenges in securing legislative reforms necessary for the advancement of rights and equity for Indigenous Australians amidst a backdrop of complex political dynamics.
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