Aboriginal lawyer Michael Mansell welcomed the appointment of Kim Booth as Greens leader. Mr Mansell said “Mr Booth’s leadership will give clearer direction for the Greens in the Parliament than we saw when the Greens were linked to the Labor Party. Any support they gave for Aborigines then was always subject to the considerations of another political party.
The first thing we call on Kim Booth to do is to overhaul previous Greens support for the controversial Aboriginal Heritage Bill that was imposed on Aboriginal people. Mr Booth’s contribution to the Parliamentary debate on the Bill last year showed him to be a man of principle and a man concerned with the damaged relationship with Aboriginal people.
We believe Mr Booth can mend the fractured relationship of the Greens Party with the Aboriginal community.
We also look forward to discussions about the West Coast Aboriginal Landscape area. The WCAL should be returned in ownership to Aboriginal people during the life of this Parliament.”
Mr Mansell believes it is important that the Greens remain independent of other political parties so their contribution to Tasmanian politics will be that of a strong opposition party.
Michael Mansell, Spokesman for Aboriginal Community Council
