Fed: MPs welcome Ridgeway as first indigenous party leader
CANBERRA, Aug 22 AAP - Federal MPs today welcomed the prospect of Australian DemocratsSenator Aden Ridgeway becoming the first indigenous leader of the national political party.
NSW Liberal MP Bruce Baird said it would be a good thing for politics and for Australia.
He said the Democrats remained an interesting dysfunctional family and it remainedto be seen whether Senator Ridgeway could save them.
"Our indigenous population has been treated badly for many years. This is a real signthat the reconciliation program has begun in earnest when we reach that level of maturity,"
he told reporters.
"He is a very fine fellow and we will see whether he makes a good leader. I wish himall the best."
Labor frontbencher Bob McMullan said it was healthy for society for indigenous Australiansto achieves such firsts.
"Aden will be judged like everybody else - not on his Aboriginality, but on his merits,"
he told reporters.
"Whether he is a good leader, time will tell. As another step forward for indigenousAustralians, I welcome it."
AAP mb/las/de
KEYWORD: DEMOCRATS MPS
No comments:
Post a Comment