The new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner has a big job in front of her.
Inheriting the role from Aunty June Oscar OAM, and starting the year after the failed Voice Referendum, Commissioner Katie Kiss has big plans to put her people first.
“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.
She wants to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on all things "Closing the Gap, youth justice reform, Native Title, truth-telling and treaty, or combating racism and other structural barriers".
“There is so much work to do and conversations to continue having. We need to elevate and empower our people, and this must be done together.”
Wednesday was the Kaanju and Birri/Widi woman's first day in the Commissioner role.
Rockhampton-born and raised, Commissioner Kiss 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.
She said it's a "real honour" to take on the role from the five Commissioners before her and is especially proud to be the second woman to hold the position, following Aunty June.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner is a statutory position that supports and empowers the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
One of the new Commissioners' goals is to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners at the Australian Human Rights Commission, as well as state and territory counterparts, our Elders, community organisations and advocates, business, health and media sectors, and governments, to champion the empowerment of our people," she said.
