Eddie Mabo acknowledged

Eddie Mabo’s decade-long battle for rights led to one of the most important acts of recognition in Australia’s legal history Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney says.

“Today we honour Eddie Koiki Mabo, whose work led to the legal acknowledgement of a historical fact – that Indigenous Australians’ connection to land existed for thousands of years prior to 1788 and was not extinguished by colonisation,” she said.

“To truly honour Eddie Mabo’s memory, we must continue our commitment to closing the gap in education, healthcare, life expectancy and justice.

“Recognition through Voice will be a crucial next step in delivering practical change that improves the lives of First Nations Australians.

“I believe Australians are ready to update our constitution in a way that will celebrate our history and the ongoing relationship of Indigenous Australians with this land, and drive change that will build a better future for all of us.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the hopes and dreams the

Mabo victory unleashed would not be fulfilled until the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was closed.

“And we will not have completed Eddie Koiki Mabo’s fight until we have fully embraced the generous offer of the Uluru Statement from the Heart for a true partnership to pursue meaningful reconciliation as a nation,” he said.

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy took the opportunity to thank Native Title holders who do their best for kin and country.

“The Mabo case shows how far we have come together as a nation in so many ways, and provides hope to continue this journey for a better future ahead for our young people,” she said.

Special Envoy for Reconciliation and the Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart Senator Patrick Dodson said it was a great tragedy that Eddie Mabo never lived to know the outcome of his High Court action.

“But First Nations people will forever remember and honour his legacy,” he said.