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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-09-10 Daily Xml
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RANKINE, UNCLE HENRY

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Early Childhood Development, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management) (16:10): I seek leave to make further a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: My ministerial statement concerns the recent passing of Uncle Henry Rankine. I have the sad duty to inform the house of the recent passing of Ngarrindjeri elder, Uncle Henry Rankine. On behalf of the government of South Australia, I record my deep appreciation for his contribution to the lives of Aboriginal South Australians, especially the Ngarrindjeri over his lifetime. I would especially like to note his work over many decades for the state government in Aboriginal Affairs. Not only was Mr Rankine a leader of his community but he was also an outspoken advocate for the wider Aboriginal community. He held various positions, including chairperson of the Raukkan Aboriginal Council and the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, as well as serving on the board of the Aboriginal Housing Authority.

He was one of the first ATSIC commissioners and his involvement with the Aboriginal Lands Trust was truly remarkable. He was a board member for 30 years, including a period during the life of this government. In recognition of his significant contribution to public life, Mr Rankine was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1992. It was a fitting tribute. As a Ngarrindjeri man, Mr Rankine was wildly regarded as a senior custodian of his culture. From the early 1980s, he was a major consultant to the South Australian Museum, helping it develop exhibitions on Aboriginal culture. He believed that indigenous people and European Australians needed to try harder to understand each other's culture and history. He was adamant that they must walk together in a spirit of cooperation and understanding.

Mr Rankine leaves a legacy in hope and inspiration for all of us involved in progressing reconciliation and improving the lives of Aboriginal South Australians. On behalf of the parliament, and in particular the Premier who worked with Mr Rankine when he was minister for Aboriginal Affairs, I present my most sincere condolences to his family, friends and community.

Ms Breuer: Hear, hear!

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