Creating space for cultural pride

Magistrate Jacqui Payne was the first Indigenous woman to be admitted as a solicitor in Queensland.

She started her career at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, then ran her own private practice before becoming the first Indigenous magistrate in Queensland in 1999. Magistrate Payne shared her NAIDOC Week thoughts with Proctor.

This year is the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC marking decades of elevating Indigenous voices. What achievements are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the NAIDOC themes. They are like a window or time capsule of issues, matters and circumstances of contemporary Australian Aboriginal society relevant to that year. They can look to the past, present and future and often inclusive of all Australians.  The NAIDOC Committee says the week enables us all “to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.

In 1981 the theme was Sacred Sites Aboriginal Rights – Other Australians have their Rites, in 1990 New Decade – Don’t Destroy, Learn and Enjoy our Cultural Heritage and in 2019 Voice Treaty Truth.

In 2025 it is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. This year’s theme not only celebrates the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young people and our communities, the vision of our people and the legacy of our leaders. 

I am proud how the themes invite thinking, talking, sharing and reflection.  I’m also proud how NAIDOC week creates a space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples to be publicly proud of their place in Australian society and their contribution.   

Why should the next generation get involved in committees and public advocacy?

This is the natural order of things. The young take up the cudgel. I want young people to be involved as it is exciting to work alongside, participate with and learn from them. They have grown up in a digital age of technology and globalisation. They are experiencing firsthand the current political climate in Australia and around the world. We need their perspectives, experience and energy. Empowering and enabling young people to be involved in committees and public advocacy sustains leadership and creates resilience.

NAIDOC Week is celebrated from 6-13 July.