Marion Scrymgour (Lingiari, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay my respects to Mr Shaw, a name deeply embedded in the history of Central Australia. Mr Shaw was a leader of conviction, of principle and of integrity. He fought for what was right—and not just in the political realm, but also as a soldier on the front line. As Minister McCarthy said at his funeral two weeks ago, his was a life incredibly well lived. He served as a battlefield commander, doing two tours of duty in South-East Asia—first Malaya and then Vietnam. His time in the Army, fighting for this country, shaped his leadership and his life.

When he returned home in 1970, he found himself looking for work. He was struck by the circumstances of so many living in what were then called the fringe camps. This drove so much of his work and his leadership. Mr Shaw was a key figure in the establishment of the Central Land Council. The CLC is a critical institution in the Central Desert. It represents tens of thousands of people and works to safeguard country. Mr Shaw's role in the formation of this council was pivotal.

He was the founding member of the Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation in Alice Springs, and anyone who lives in Alice Springs knows that when Tangentyere is thriving, our town thrives. Tangentyere represents all of the town camps, providing much needed service, representation and advocacy. Mr Shaw led the charge to create Tangentyere, an early example of exactly what community control is all about.

The leadership, courage and perseverance of Mr Shaw is an inspiring message to all Australians. He was a Kaytetye and Arrernte man who fought on the front lines for Australia at a time when white Australia did not even recognise him as a citizen of this country. He showed a level of bravery and commitment to his people and community, and that is incredibly rare. At a time when people are talking about national spirit, this man is the embodiment of courage, mateship and sacrifice. It was incredibly moving to see all of the returned soldiers from the RSL, including people who fought side by side with him in Malaya and Vietnam, come and pay homage to Mr Shaw for his service. It shows us just how important this country is, that as Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people we love this country. We can stand side by side and defend this country. I think for someone from the Central Desert, someone who was completely a cultural and traditional man, to have fought side by side with those white soldiers—he called them 'brother', and they stood up at his funeral and they said that he was their brother. That was just a fantastic embodiment of what this country is all about.

Mary Aldred (Monash, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Lingiari, and I too acknowledge Mr Shaw's contribution to our country.