Wollongong uni student Tiarna Williams recently attended the UN headquarters in New York. Photo: University of Wollongong.
Wollongong’s Tiarna Williams has taken her ideas for a fairer Australia to the world.
An Awabakal-Dharawal woman undertaking law and international studies at the University of Wollongong, Tiarna has just returned from the UN headquarters in New York.
While she was there she took part in the United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee through the Global Voices Policy Fellowship.
Tiarna, who grew up in Wollongong, said it was a powerful experience.
“It was life-changing to sit in the same rooms where global decisions are being made,” she said.
“I felt proud to represent my community and to show that our voices belong in international spaces.
“It was heartwarming to see the array of diversity and inclusion within the UN, especially as I hope to work there one day.”
Tiarna’s desire to pursue a career in the law was sparked by her older siblings’ careers.
Her brother is a former police detective, and her sister works in forensics.
Her interest in international studies was also inspired by what she saw at home. One of her parents was born overseas, and the other is Indigenous Australian.
After being home schooled until Year 9, Tiarna landed a prestigious scholarship to a Sydney boarding school, but felt the pull to return home for her tertiary studies.
On her trip to New York she joined the Sir Ninian Stephens Law Delegation, where she contributed to discussions on international law and human rights.
She also met with UN officials, legal experts and the Australian Permanent Mission.
These meetings supported her policy research focused on better embedding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within Australian law.
“It’s a very large international document, and implementing it as a whole isn’t the most effective strategy,” she said.
“My recommendation is we implement the part around free, prior and informed consent, start small and build collaboration.
“Some of the Scandinavian countries have implemented similar policies I think Australia could learn from.”
Tiarna has held leadership roles at UOW, including serving as the First Nations representative for the UOW Law Students’ Society.
She has also worked with the Evonne Goolagong Foundation, the National Justice Project and advisory groups focused on Indigenous rights.
Her work explores how First Nations communities can be better supported to exercise free, prior and informed consent when it comes to decisions affecting the Native Title land.
“At the moment, the Native Title Act doesn’t allow First Nations communities to veto projects that affect their land, even if they object,” she said.
“That goes against the principles of free, prior and informed consent.
“There also aren’t clear guidelines on what proper consent should look like.”
Tiarna hopes her journey encourages other young First Nations people to pursue careers in law, policy or international affairs.
“I want them to know they belong in these spaces too,” she said.
“You don’t have to wait for the ‘right’ moment or have the ‘right’ background.
“If you work hard and stay committed, opportunities will come.
“No matter your background, ethnicity, religion, or language(s) you speak, there is opportunity to have your voice heard on the global stage.”
After finishing her degree, Tiarna plans to undertake further legal training and pursue a Master of Laws, with the goal of a career in human rights at the international level.
