Dorinda Cox
ALP Federal

Temporary Chair of Committees

Elected 2021

4 years

Senator for Western Australia (WA)

Federal - WA

Dorinda was born in 1976 in Kojonup, West Australia. Dorinda is a Yamatji–Noongar woman, whose family has experienced five generations of child removal in her matriarchal line. She grew up in Hamilton Hill and attended South Fremantle Senior High School.

Dorinda joined the West Australian Police Force as a Cadet in 1994 and later became an Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer in 1996. In 2002, Dorinda concluded her work in the Force to begin a career in the Government sector, where she was a...

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Committees

  • Measuring Outcomes for First Nations Communities
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
  • Northern Australia
  • Trade and Investment Growth
  • Treaties
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First Speech in Parliament

19 October 2021

# Indigenous Rights # Climate Action # Social Justice

Personal Background and Values

  • Dorinda Cox is a Noongar Bibbulmen Yamatji woman from Western Australia, inspired by her matriarchal heritage.
  • She acknowledges the ongoing sovereignty of First Peoples and emphasizes the importance of representation in politics for Indigenous Australians.
  • Acknowledges her family and the sacrifices made for her political journey, reflecting on her childhood experiences that have shaped her values.

Policy Goals and Priorities

  • Advocates for a national treaty and truth-telling processes to address historical injustices and enhance Indigenous rights and governance.
  • Highlights the urgent need for climate action and links it to social justice, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize both people and planet.
  • Calls for a national inquiry into the missing and murdered First Nations women and better responses to family violence and social disadvantage.

Work Experience and Political Aspirations

  • Brings over two decades of experience in social policy within government and international forums to her role in the Senate.
  • Aims to continue the legacy of her predecessor Rachel Siewert, focusing on grassroots movements and community-led responses.
  • Envisions a transformed parliament that truly represents the diverse voices of Australia, striving for equity and justice for all.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Dorinda Cox represents the Senate seat of Western Australia in the Australian Parliament.

Dorinda Cox is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

Environment Minister fails first test, approves climate-wrecking North West Shelf extension to 2070

Media Release • 28 May

Indigenous Affairs Environment Arts and Culture Energy Emissions Gas Conservation Climate Change Indigenous Affairs - General

AI Summary

  • Environment Minister approved North West Shelf gas extension until 2070, prompting criticism from the Australian Greens.
  • Approval is seen as a significant setback for Australia's net zero by 2050 goal, with concerns over environmental impact and cultural heritage.
  • UNESCO report highlighted pollution threats to Murujuga rock art, with warnings that fossil fuel projects cannot coexist with the site.

Gas Cartel rips the heart out of Gomeroi Country

Media Release • 20 May

Indigenous Affairs Environment Energy Mining Conservation Climate Change Indigenous Affairs - General Native Title Government Grants

AI Summary

  • The National Native Title Tribunal has approved the Santos Narrabri Gas Project, allowing land access on Gomeroi Country despite opposition from Traditional Owners and locals.
  • The project is set to involve drilling up to 850 gas wells, disregarding significant concerns regarding health impacts and cultural heritage.
  • Senator Dorinda Cox criticises the decision as a betrayal of First Nations people and highlights the influence of corporate interests over environmental protection and community consent.

In Parliament

BILLS › We All Come Together For Country Bill 2025

Second Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 26 March

Indigenous Affairs

AI Summary

  • The We All Come Together For Country Bill 2025 aims to promote unity and collaboration among diverse communities.
  • The bill outlines specific initiatives and programs to foster inclusivity and cultural exchange.
  • Key proponents of the bill highlighted the importance of recognising and celebrating Australia's multicultural identity.

BILLS › We All Come Together For Country Bill 2025

First Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 26 March

AI Summary

  • The We All Come Together For Country Bill 2025 was presented for its first reading.
  • This marks the beginning of the legislative process for the bill.
  • Further discussions and debates on the bill are expected in subsequent readings.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 3 June 2025

Indigenous Affairs Native Title

The Mabo decision is a watershed moment in our nation’s history, which overturned the long held colonial myth ‘terra nullius’. It paved the way for Native title claims, with the Australian Parliament passing the Native Title Act 1993 one year later. Mabo’s legacy lives on and we must continue to push this government now to protect our cultural heritage and to inform the important determinations which remain outstanding to recognise our land and sea rights. Now more than ever! #truthandjustice #maboday #mabo #nativetitle
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 29 May 2025

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) sets out the minimum standards for our survival, dignity and wellbeing. It’s not just a symbol, it’s a roadmap for justice. Australia must move from words to action and fully implement UNDRIP across all levels of government. Our rights are not negotiable. #UNDRIP #TruthandJustice
Open Post