'Mabo represented the best opportunity for resolution of the colonial grievance between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians '

The Mabo Oration was named in honour and recognition of Eddie Mabo (1936-1992). It’s hoped the event will be held bi-annually as a tribute to both the person and to his legacy of reconciliation based in law.

Eddie Mabo, born in the Torres Strait Islands, believed he owned the land on which he was born and where he lived. Legally however, it was Crown land, and so began the ten year legal dispute which changed the political and legal landscape of Australia forever. Eddie Mabo challenged the claim of terra nullius (no one’s land). Central to his argument was the belief that the land had been stolen in the first place, and that he was the rightful heir and owner of the land on Murray Island in the Torres Strait.

The High Court brought down its decision in 1992, upholding Eddie Mabo’s claim that Murray Islanders held Native Title to three islands on the eastern fringe of the Torres Strait.

This recognition by the High Court that Australia had been occupied prior to white settlement and that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had native title to those lands was an historic decision.

Eddie Mabo’s legacy is more than the proper recognition of native title. It is his struggle,his enormous and unwavering belief in and understanding of his culture that requires a much greater recognition of his leadership.

The Mabo Oration is the Queensland beginning of the proper recognition of Eddie Mabo. The inaugural oration was delivered by Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson who spoke about 'Indigenous Governance and Leadership - a Shift to Permanent Sovereignty?'.

Noel Pearson was part of the Indigenous negotiating team during the drafting of the Native Title Act in 1983, and continues to work as an advisor to various Indigenous organisations. His work draws widely on his thoughts on breaking down 'passive welfare dependency', and he is the author of numerous speeches on this issue and others of substance abuse and violence, child neglect and Indigenous affairs generally. Mr Pearson is a recognised leader in the area of public policy affecting Indigenous people.

His speech, alleged that the Australian courts failed to understand at a fundamental level, that the law of native title was the law of reconciliation. He argued that the Australian judiciary had eroded the opportunity of Mabo and that 'it is their poor articulation of the statute and common law of native title that is short-changing Aboriginal rights'.
Mr Pearson said the principles established by Mabo represented the best opportunity for resolution of the colonial grievance between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and noted that he’d often referred to Mabo as 'the once in a nation’s lifetime opportunity'. He believes Mabo is our 'cornerstone for reconciliation'.

The event, held in partnership with the Queensland Performing Arts Corporation (QPAC), was chaired by his honour Chief Justice de Jersey AC. It attracted a venue-filling 800 people, including many members of the Mabo family, Indigenous community leaders and members, dignatories including former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, judiciary, government ministers and Members of Parliament, community and business leaders, school and university students, and the general community.

Feedback from attendees included comments such as:
'What took place was a very symbolic event and I felt privileged to be present. The atmosphere was exciting and there were people from all walks of life present. (We) were absolutely amazed and encouraged at the number of young people present in addition to the students. It’s good to see that much interest from youth because of the legacy being handed down to future generations'.

'My friends and myself thoroughly enjoyed the evening (speakers, performing artists and guest speaker Noel Pearson). It must have been a mammoth task coordinating all this which went extremely well. It was great that the Mabo family were able to attend'.

'I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. It was particularly pleasing to hear Noel in person rather than through the interpretation of the media. I look forward to studying in detail the transcript when it is available.'

'The last time I experienced such a wonderful 'reconciliation' feeling was during the Walk over the Bridge with my grandchildren… I believe I could also glean positive encouragement from his speech for spurring myself to continue to take responsibility and being active within my work, community and family environment.'