Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about a recent visit to Wadjemup—Rottnest Island—a place of profound cultural significance and one of Western Australia's most treasured destinations. Wadjemup means 'place across the water where the spirits are' in Noongar language, which holds truth and must always be acknowledged. From 1838 to 1931, it served as a forced labour prison for more than 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys, many of whom are buried there in unmarked graves. As a Noongar woman, this place has deep pain, memory and responsibility. It calls on all of us to reflect, to listen and to ensure that truth-telling is central to how this island is understood and experienced. Yet Wadjemup is also a place of extraordinary beauty. For generations, Western Australians have made the journey across the water, drawn by its turquoise bays, unique wildlife and the sense of calm that defines the island. Families return year after year, and visitors from around the world experience our coastline at its very best.

More than 800,000 people visit Wadjemup each year. Recently I visited with my friend and colleague the Assistant Minister for Tourism, Nita Green, to see how this place continues to thrive and how we can support its future. We saw the strong demand firsthand and spoke of the importance in getting the balance right as visitation grows. But what makes Wadjemup work is the people on the ground. We met with local operators, including James Mulholland from Quokka Coaches and Rottnest Fast Ferries and Holly Brindle from the Rottnest general store and bakery. They spoke to us about what was working well, the opportunities ahead and where further support is needed. Listening to local operators is critical if we are serious about getting tourism right. We also visited the Wadjemup Museum with Casey Kickett from Koorda's Crew. I was deeply moved by this experience, reinforcing that truth-telling must remain central to how this place is shared.

What is happening at Wadjemup is part of something bigger. As a senator for Western Australia, I have the privilege of travelling across the state and meeting incredible people, including visiting the Martumili Artists gallery in Newman. Through Martu artists sharing their stories, culture and connection to country, we are reminded that First Nations voices help us to truly understand the places as we travel through them, not just see them. Across Western Australia, Aboriginal led tourism is giving visitors the opportunity to experience the world's oldest continuing living culture in deeper and more meaningful ways. On Wadjemup, this is already taking shape through their Aboriginal led cultural tours and initiatives, like Koorda's Crew, where young people and their families learn through storytelling, creativity and connection to Noongar culture.

This is what meaningful tourism looks like. It is the tourism that is led by First Nations people that tells the full story of a place and that creates opportunity for Aboriginal communities. This is what the future of tourism in Australia looks like: First Nations led, culturally grounded and economically empowering. The Albanese Labor government has established the First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership to support greater participation and economic opportunities for First Nations people, businesses and tourism, because First Nations tourism is not just about sharing culture. It's about creating jobs, supporting businesses and ensuring people can stay connected to Country while building economic opportunity in their own communities. I thank the chairperson, Hamish Beck OAM, and Jason Banks from the Rottnest Island Authority for hosting us and their stewardship in this important place. Wadjemup shows us that, with responsible stewardship, we can honour its history, support local people and businesses and ensure that this extraordinary place can be experienced for generations to come.

As we head into the winter months, that responsibility extends beyond Wadjemup. With the impacts of Cyclone Narelle still being felt across parts of Western Australia, supporting local tourism has never been more important, especially during the quieter winter period. Western Australians are blessed with an extraordinary backyard. Choosing to enjoy it is about backing small businesses, supporting local jobs and helping our communities to remain resilient through the most challenging periods. This is how we strengthen our tourism industry, and that's how we ensure places just like Wadjemup and other places, spectacular places, around Western Australia and our communities right across that area continue to thrive.