Links

Friday November 9 2007, Media Release

A LOSS FOR THE NATION

Media Statement by NSW Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson, Bev Manton

Aboriginal people throughout New South Wales and the rest of the nation are mourning the loss of a statesman and champion, the former Independent Member for Calare, Peter Andren.

Mr Andren who died last week after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is a tremendous loss to Australian politics and to the nation.

If every politician seeking election—or re-election--on November 24 was even a pale imitation of Mr.Andren the new Federal Parliament would be a far wiser and just place.

The 61-year old entered federal politics in 1996 campaigning as an independent, for the retention of government services in the bush – especially banking, health and telecommunications.

It soon became obvious the people of Calare had elected a man of integrity who would accept no compromise when it came to fighting for people’s rights.

He soon became known as the conscience of the federal parliament.

Many people will remember him as one of the only politicians in Australia to speak out against the Howard Government and its use of the Tampa to gain re-election.

But it was his continued advocacy on behalf of our people which brought him to the attention of many Aboriginal people throughout NSW and the rest of Australia.

He was particularly strong in his opposition to the Howard Government’s unilateral intervention into Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory without a word of consultation with those affected.

Who could forget his description of the intervention legislation as “the most racist legislation introduced into federal parliament since the shameful days of the so-called Aboriginal protectorate acts early last century.”

It is tragic that Mr. Andren’s life was cut short so soon after he announced his intention to stand for the Senate in the hope of ensuring the Howard government no longer retains the balance of power in the Senate from next year.

It is particularly tragic in the current climate of meek me-too-ism which has infected the major political parties. .

I offer my sincere condolences to Mr Andren’s family on behalf of the New South Wales Aboriginal land Council and the wider land rights network.

He will be sorely missed.

Bev Manton
Chairperson, NSWALC

Further information: Paul Molloy 0419 690 926