It will soon be five years since 'life-changing' legislation allowed for legal recognition of culturally significant child rearing practice for Torres Strait Islander families.
The Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act came into force on July 1, 2021, having passed in Queensland Parliament the previous September.
The legislation allows for families who have adopted from a relative or another community member to be granted legal rights to parenting decisions, and for the child to have the same rights as a family's biological children. In effect, cultural parents are granted the same right to that of biological parents under Queensland law - do so through a Cultural Recognition Order.
More than 140 Cultural Recognition Orders have been granted since late 2021.
The Act has been described as a first of its kind, as it recognises Torres Strait Islander law within state law.
Leaders and workers in the space welcomed the chance to raise awareness, explain and share the importance of this ailan kastom (Island Custom) at June's AIATSIS Summit on the Gold Coast.
"Sharing the important work that the Cultural Support Officers and explaining the Cultural Recognition Order process with delegates was a valuable opportunity to promote ailan kastom and demonstrate how Torres Strait Islander cultural practices are now legally recognised in Queensland law," Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Commissioner C'Zarke Maza said.
Commissioner Maza has served in the role as its inaugural Commissioner since 2021.
He was joined by Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Cultural Support at the Summit.
The Summit provided an opportunity to share stories, ideas and aspirations for the future, Commissioner Maza said, while celebrating First Peoples' knowledge, strength and culture.
Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa legislation and Cultural Recognition Orders have made a positive impact on over 850 lives, the Office of the Commissioner outlined.
"I congratulate our Cultural Support Officers and team on their outstanding work during the AIATSIS Summit. We look forward to continuing the important conversations that were started with delegates, Government representatives and sector leaders throughout the Summit," Commissioner Maza said.
"It was wonderful to reconnect with fellow Torres Strait Islanders and many other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and community representatives who continue to promote culture, strengthen communities and advocate for positive change."
In last year's Queensland State Budget, $6.8 million in funding was announced to continue supporting Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Program Support Office until 2029.
