Whenever I visit Aboriginal communities and/or speak to Aboriginal community people over the phone, I encourage my people to trust the government and our democratic process, despite knowing many of our people have not received adequate support to give them hope. extract from Maiden Speech, 8.26 pm 8 September 1971 Introduction ~ Neville Bonner, the first Aboriginal Australian to become a member of the Parliament of Australia. There are traditions which are preserved and honoured in the Australian Commonwealth Parliament also and the awareness of these traditions, and the long and illustrious line of people who have upheld them in the interest of freedom and democracy, makes me humble as I realise the privilege and double responsibility which has been bestowed upon me.’ Throughout that long period, those of my race developed many traditions and one generation has passed to another, respect for these traditions. This I shall do through the grace of God to benefit all Australians.įor more than 20,000 years, my people have loved this country and appreciated its beauty and its capacity to provide for human need. ‘I shall play the role of my State of Queensland, my Aboriginal race, my background, my political beliefs and my knowledge of men and circumstances dictate. The crushing of the Aboriginal people by state-sanctioned fake leaders.
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