Politician
Former Senator Nova Peris OAM
Nova Peris is a trailblazing Aboriginal Australian athlete and politician who made history as the first Indigenous woman elected to Australia’s Federal Parliament. Representing the Northern Territory as a Labor senator from 2013 to 2016, her political career was marked by a strong focus on Indigenous rights, reconciliation, and addressing systemic inequalities.
Empowering First Nations Communities
Selected by Prime Minister Julia Gillard as a “captain’s pick” for the Senate, Peris used her platform to highlight issues such as alcohol abuse, climate change, and the impact of the Stolen Generations. Her maiden speech in Parliament emphasized the struggles of Aboriginal Australians and her commitment to creating a more inclusive nation. After retiring from politics in 2016, Peris continued her advocacy through initiatives like the Nova Peris Foundation, which empowers First Nations communities.
