Mabo decision sublime, says PM

THE Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has described the Mabo decision as a ”sublime” moment in Australia’s history.

”This was a judgment of the High Court at its finest,” she told Parliament, acknowledging the former Labor prime minister Paul Keating’s role of inscribing native title in Australian law.

”It was an act of courage and conviction … and a reminder that the big things, the great things in Australian politics never come easily, but are always purchased at a high price, but a price worth paying.”

The Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, said it was a very important milestone for indigenous Australians. ”The challenge for us now is to ensure that land is not just a spiritual asset to Aboriginal people but an economic asset too,” he said.

The Indigenous Affairs Minister, Jenny Macklin, conceded there was still work to be done on the issue of home ownership on native title land.

The opposition’s justice spokesman, Michael Keenan, said the story of Eddie Mabo and his fellow claimants was compelling. The Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon, said the Keating government’s decision to legislate sparked hate, lies and threats.

”Some opposite may actually be feeling a little uncomfortable as they remember how some of their own whipped up fear amongst the masses,” she said.

”Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed.”

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