Anniversary of Carol Martin’s Election as Australia’s First Aboriginal Woman Parliamentarian

10 February

On 10 February 2001, Carol Martin was elected to Western Australia’s Legislative Assembly as the member for Kimberley. She became the first Aboriginal woman elected to an Australian parliament, opening a new chapter in a history of representation from which Aboriginal women had long been absent.

Leadership grounded in community

Martin succeeded Ernie Bridge, Western Australia’s first Aboriginal parliamentarian, in the Kimberley electorate. Her election was a national milestone as well as a regional one. It brought an Aboriginal woman’s experience and perspective into a parliamentary chamber through the support of the electorate she would represent.

Her background included social work and community involvement. The Victorian Government’s profile describes the community connections and campaigning that supported her election. It also records that Bridge encouraged her involvement in local issues, highlighting the importance of relationships and encouragement alongside individual determination.

Why this milestone matters

The anniversary recognises an achievement without suggesting that one election ended exclusion or inequality. Representation is about more than being the first person through a door. It also concerns the ability to contribute, influence decisions, be heard and sustain a public role.

Martin’s achievement belongs within the broader history of Aboriginal women’s leadership, which extends well beyond parliamentary institutions. Community leadership did not begin when that leadership gained recognition through an election.

Reflecting with care

This is an opportunity to explore the difference between visibility and meaningful participation. Schools and workplaces might consider how Aboriginal women’s expertise is recognised, whose contributions are overlooked and what support makes leadership possible.

Approach biographical learning respectfully. It is not necessary to retell a person’s traumatic experiences to recognise their public contribution. Use reliable accounts, distinguish their own words from commentary and avoid expecting a local Aboriginal woman to explain or represent everyone’s experience.

The anniversary can be recognised without assuming shared political views or presenting Martin’s election as an endorsement of a political party.

Sources and further learning

Parliament of Western Australia: Carol Anne Martin, biographical register. Official election date and parliamentary record.

Victorian Government: Carol Martin OAM. Background on her community involvement and public contribution.

Australian Electoral Commission: Electoral milestones for Indigenous Australians. Wider electoral history.

Our related products and resources

Finding Our Heart offers a thematic starting point for younger readers exploring voice and participation. It is not an account of this election or an individual parliamentarian’s career.