Alannah Mactiernan (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I acknowledge the very sad and premature passing of senior Goolarabooloo lawman, aged 47. To respect his cultural tradition, he will not be named. The family of this major Kimberley identity on Wednesday made the heartbreaking decision to turn off the life support system and let him go. I had the honour and pleasure in my time as a WA minister of working with this man to ensure that the development of Broome and surrounding areas was compatible with protecting the heritage and culture of his community. As the grandson of Paddy, he passionately insisted that his children, and Aboriginal children generally, must learn their culture as he had and build pride and confidence through that knowledge. He continued the work of his grandfather in also educating the garria in the ways of the culture.

This man often found himself in a difficult position, having to make a call on conflicting interests, decisions that weighed on him heavily. He took a stand against the James Price Point gas hub. 'No amount of money could compensate for the loss of our heritage,' he said. This position put him at odds with other members of the Kimberley Aboriginal community and, indeed, it was a tough time. This man has been the custodian and promoter of songlines and song cycles of the region. His great dedication to this task will ensure that he will be greatly missed but that his legacy will live on in his country, in his family and in his people. My condolences to his wife, Margie, their children and extended family. (Time expired)