13 February 2001
Congratulations
Carol Martin!!
A statement from Sex Discrimination Commissioner Susan Halliday
I congratulate Carol Martin, the first Indigenous woman elected to an Australian parliament.Her election to the West Australian seat of Kimberley is significant because it increases the level of representation of women in Australia.
I have for some time been concerned that women remain underrepresented in all Australian parliaments, despite recent rhetoric about the importance of equality. The work of EMILY's list (Early Money is Like Yeast - it helps the dough rise) in supporting Ms Martin has been crucial. We need a critical mass of women representing the Australian electorate across all political parties if we wish to see real equality and progress.
Ms Martin's election is even more important because she is the first Indigenous woman to represent an Australian electorate, at either the State or Federal level. While there have been several Aboriginal men elected to parliament, no Indigenous woman's perspective has previously been aired.
Indigenous women in Australia can in many ways face double disadvantage. There are times when issues of particular concern for Indigenous women are not heard because of the need to take a consistent position more generally on issues of importance for the broader Aboriginal community.
At a stage in Australia's development when rights hard-won by women are by no means secure, this is an historic milestone in the first year of the 21st Century.
All Australian women will benefit from the greater representation of women in our parliaments and I firmly believe we can celebrate as women and feel pleased and proud of Ms Martin's achievements.
I wish Ms Martin the best of luck in her forthcoming role.
Media contact: Janine MacDonald (02) 9284 9880 or 0412 783 631.
Last updated 2 December 2001.
