A testimony of injustice

My interest in Palm Island became more personal when I researched all sides of my family for my autobiography (The N word: One man’s stand - 2005), and discovered archived state documents concerning my father’s half brother, Robert “Bobby” Bismark. Bismark was diagnosed with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) and was sent several thousand kilometres from Cunnamulla to Fantome Island on August 8, 1953.

It was nine months before I was born, in early 1959, that dad and mum had a visit from health officials and the police to their fringe camp home in Cunnamulla. Unfortunately the visit was unannounced and took the form of a house inspection; in much the same fashion I would imagine as a renter would get with a thorough inspection today from a real estate rental officer.

In this instance neither of them were at home or aware of the inspection. Dad only found out about this inspection well into his 70s when I uncovered the state documents.

A letter sent on March 3, 1959 from the Superintendent of Palm Island to the Protector of Aboriginals Cunnamulla read:

The Director General of Health & Medical Services has authorised his (Bismark) release from Fantome Island as he is now clear of Hansen’s disease. Bob has requested that he return to live with his brother Jimmy Hagan whose address is given as Camp Reserve, Cunnamulla.

It is asked that you let me have a report on the suitability of accommodation offering …

A response on the March 24, 1959 from the Office of Protector of Aboriginals, Cunnamulla read:

… I have made inquiries accordingly and have come to the conclusion that such request should not be granted. Jimmy Hagan is still resident at the Council Camping Reserve, Cunnamulla, with his wife and family, none of who are wards of the Department of Native Affairs.

The home occupied by Hagan is a three-roomed hut of wood and galvanised iron construction, is in extremely bad state of repair, and consists of two bedrooms and a kitchen.

… the home and surroundings are dirty and untidy and only the barest minimum of furniture and household utensils are provided.

When I showed Dad a copy of these letters in 2004 he informed me that neither Mum nor he gave permission to or were present when the inspection took place. Dad said he was distressed to read the description of his residence as being “dirty and untidy” as both Mum and his mother Jessie were meticulous with their cleanliness around the hut. He said they were always sweeping the earth floor with a brush, fashioned from branches of a gum tree, and added that they would cart water from several hundred metres away to sprinkle on the ground to prevent dust within the shelter.

Sadly Bobby Bismark had no option but to live out his life on Palm Island and on April 23, 1969 the following message was sent at 10.35am from the Manager Palm Island to the Manager Woorabinda via Duaringa.