The Wire

Senator Aden Ridgeway’s departure after failing in his bid for re-election last year, means there will be no Indigenous politician in Federal Parliament. Jason Glanville from Reconciliation Australia says it is a sad time for Indigenous Australians, without a person in parliament who truly understands the issues affecting them. His departure again opens debate on the prospect of identified Indigenous seats in Federal Parliament. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calmer has also paid tribute to Aden Ridgeway and says he hopes to see an increase in the number of Indigenous people being elected to the federal level.