ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss will visit Moree next week as part of her Informing the Agenda project.
Ms Kiss will present the project at Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre between 10am and 1.30pm on Monday, January 20.
The commissioner is embarking on a landmark listening tour to consult and discuss Informing the Agenda.
The initiative is part of the ongoing commitment to ensure First Nations voices guide the journey forward, following the outcome of the 2023 Voice Referendum and the commissioner plans to meet directly with First Nations communities to hear their perspectives on key social justice issues.
The extensive consultation will form the basis of a discussion paper, contributing to the Social Justice Report in 2025, and will shape the next steps in the collective efforts toward reconciliation and equality.
The Moree event will provide opportunities to inform the Social Justice Commissioner through meaningful dialogue what is required for a fair and just future for First Nations.
Informing the Agenda also aims to share success stories, and inform transformative change in the Indigenous policy and legislative landscape.
Ms Kiss told Reconciliation Australia, human rights and the fight for social justice has always been in her blood.
“My grandfather, who is my inspiration, was a staunch rights advocate and played a big role in the establishment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, education, housing and legal services in Rockhampton,” Ms Kiss said.
“As a mother, aunt and grandmother, I have a commitment to ensuring the world in which my families live, respects who they are and that they are safe culturally, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, and where they are free to pursue their goals and dreams with confidence.
“I’ve been involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs at local, community, state, national and international levels, for the past 25 years, working across issues affecting First Nations Peoples; community development, constitutional reform, social justice, governance, native title and land management, and education and employment,” she said.
“I spent a formative eight years at the Commission from 2006, including as the Director of the Social Justice Team during both Tom Calma and Mick Gooda’s terms as the Social Justice Commissioner.
“I then held senior advisory positions in the Queensland Government, and before this role, I was the Executive Director of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body supporting Queensland’s Path to Treaty.
“It is a real honour to follow the legacy left by the Commissioners before me.
“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,” she said.
Moree Informing the Agenda Project
When: Monday, January, 20, 2025
Time: 10am-1.30pm
Where: Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, 38 Albert St, Moree
Welcome to Country will be at 10am, followed by presentation and yarning circle.
Light refreshments will be provided throughout the engagement.
More information: Informing the Agenda
