Lui set for historic first
Torres Strait Islander shares Cook issues
IT IS shaping up as a day of firsts for politics in Australia today as Cynthia Lui delivers her maiden speech to the Queensland Parliament.
The Cook MP has been polishing the speech that will set the tone for the rest of her public life as the first Torres Strait Islander elected to any parliament in Australia.
She will be the first of the state’s new politicians to speak today. Fellow first-termer Cairns MP Michael Healy is not expected his turn until next month.
Ms Lui has shared an excerpt of her maiden speech, promising to be a voice for her people – many and varied as they are – in the corridors of power.
“I know that each and every one of my colleagues here in this place believes that their electorate is special but I put it to you that Cook is truly unique,” Ms Lui said. “Its diversity, in geography, culturally, socially, environmentally makes Cook so special.
“In a policy sense, we cannot think of the electorate of Cook as a single community with one set of priorities.
“Issues that are front of mind in one part of the electorate may not resonate in another part.
“Each part of the electorate warrants attention to its specific agenda.”
Ms Lui said she felt honoured to be asked to raise the flag at Parliament House in Brisbane alongside fellow indigenous MP Leeanne Enoch on Tuesday to mark the 10-year anniversary of Kevin Rudd’s apology to the stolen generations.
“It was really heartfelt, to be able to be here and taking part in that ceremony 10 years on, as the first Torres Strait Islander to enter Parliament,” she said.
“There’s a lot that still needs to be talked about because it does affect how we progress from here. I got a bit emotional with the reality of it all and I could not be more grateful to be recognised in that way.
“To be here on that day, recognising what it means to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people … it meant a lot to me.”