18 October 2000
DEATH OF CHARLES PERKINS
Statement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Dr Bill Jonas
It is with deep regret that I heard of the death of Charles Perkins. Like many people who fight for the rights of oppressed minorities, Charles Perkins was sometimes misunderstood.
His role in the famous "freedom ride" was well known. But he also had a long career in public service and was a formidable administrator when secretary of the Aboriginal Affairs Department during the 1980's.
At the Indigenous leaders'conference in Canberra last year, where it was agreed there was unfinished business to be dealt with before reconciliation could be achieved, he made his usual perceptive comments. At that meeting, there was no doubt he was regarded as an elder statesman.
I admire the fact that he never, ever stopped fighting for social justice for Aboriginal people.
Contact: Janine MacDonald (02) 9284 9880, 0412 783 631
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and Equal Opportunity Commission. Last updated 2 December 2001.
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