Eddie Mabo Essay

The Fight of Eddie Mabo…

By Tahlia Stewart

Friday, 25th November 2016

What was the land rights before the Eddie Mabo influence?

Eddie Mabo known as one of the greatest Aboriginals in Australian history. He created a phenomenal experience and he changed the life of many aboriginals, as he fought for 23 years (1969-1992) for the aboriginal land rights of Australia. Mabo challenged the High Court of Australia (the Government) because he believed white men stole the land the aboriginals originally had. Professor Sarah Joseph is a well-known as she is the director of the Human rights law at the Castan centre. She is very focused and interested in her research in the international human rights law and the constitutional law. Professor Joseph was interviewed on her reflections on the Mabo domination, she says, “Mabo reminds us that law can be great. Ultimately, after an 11 year battle that outlived him, Mabo prevailed and terra nullius, a racist and objectively absurd doctrine, was swept away by a 6:1 majority in the High Court. Along the way, a 4:3 majority had struck down the Bjelke Petersen government’s attempt to kill the litigation by retrospectively abolishing native title.”

It demonstrated just what can be achieved when determined people join together to make the effort to combat injustice. The Mabo case and its legacy were driven by Mabo the activist, his family and fellow plaintiffs, and a key support cast of lawyers, academics and now film-makers. Food for thought as we lead up to a referendum on the constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.” Professor Joseph says as she ends her