PM Abbott visits gravesite of land rights campaigner

Prime Minister Tony Abbott is the first of his kind to visit a gravesite of remote indigenous community in far north Queensland. He started off his annual trip by visiting the gravesite of land rights campaigner Eddie Koiki Mabo on Murray Island in the Torres Strait on Monday.

Mabo’s daughter Gail accompanied Mr Abbott to the gravesite. Mr Abbott was welcomed with a warrior dance that happens to reflect the community’s sacred rituals.

Gail spoke on the rights of the indigenous communities and the due acknowledgment for which her father fought. The journey, which started with the Mabo decision, still pushes for the recognition of their rights.

Mr Abbott spoke on Mabo’s ethical stance and also praised for his courage that led him to settle for legal establishments. "He would take on the previously settled view of Australian law, and good on him for having a go, and ultimately good on our system for being able to accommodate Eddie Mabo and the other plaintiffs' cry for justice,” he added.

Mr Abbott said Murray island was "a special place" and appreciating their rights is imperative to the concept of fundamental justice. He also reflected on the historical background of the movement, saying it was contentious two decades back, but now Australians have started to accept their rights more openly.

He suggested that one should look up to these people and their care for their lands and homes, which he thought is very notable and worthy of appreciation.

"We all know that there are high levels of dysfunction in some remote places but when it comes to things like sending the kids to school, trying to ensure that there is a strong sense of community spirit and community pride, the people of the Torres Strait really are an exemplar,” Mr Abbott added.

In the trip, which is a week long, Mr Abbott is accompanied by Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Alan Tudge and secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Michael Thawley. The group will be followed by some other senior ministers that include Attorney-General George Brandis, Health Minister Sussan Ley and Social Services Minister Scott Morrison.

There have been talks of incorporating the rights of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution. "It's [a] bipartisan policy. I think it's supported by the overwhelming majority of Australians, but we do have to get it right," Mr Abbott said when he was questioned on the issue.

He said he will be looking forward to a referendum which is likely to be presented within a few weeks and hoping to get a consensus by the middle of next year.

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