Passport to Nowhere

It also shows that the "promising beginnings" of our involvement in cricket were forged not just by missions but also pastoral stations and in some cases, by Aboriginals themselves.

It also clearly demonstrates that success on the field and white claims for cricket as a civilising influence did not translate into land grants, economic independence or Aboriginal control over their own lives.

Studies of any aspect of Aboriginal life during the past 212 years are necessarily bleak as evidenced by the book’s title. As Bernard points out in the book’s introduction the story of Aboriginals in cricket, indeed Aboriginal involvement with white society generally, is one of "spirited adaptations under adversity".

And certainly the story of Aboriginals in sport in more modern times is one of great hope and inspiration. We have been world champions in tennis, boxing and paralympics.

Aboriginals are playing top level Australian Rules and rugby codes in record numbers and there are extended family networks and other linkages in these sports yet to be found in cricket. We are developing future champions in waiting in virtually all sports including swimming. And for those of us who love cricket there is also increasing optimism.

As Bernard said on ABC radio last week the South Australian Cricket Association and Aboriginal groups are working on programs to promote Indigenous involvement. Aboriginal players in South Australia have been in state squads in recent years and are "pushing at the door".

The Australian Cricket Board said last month it had been making a concerted effort to "sell" cricket to our people during the past three years, particularly in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. This has led to a steady flow of talent into the NT youth squad.

As chairman of ATSIC I am also attempting to persuade Prime Minister John Howard to support a regular contest between the PM’s XI and an Aboriginal XI, beginning with next year’s Centenary of Federation celebrations.

Since I revealed my intention in the media we have already been given a boost by Jason Gillespie’s public confirmation that he is the first Aboriginal to play for the Australian team.

I am hoping that with the support of our best-known cricket fan, Mr Howard, the tragedies of our past will begin to be offset by the dawning of a new era for all Australians -- both on and off the field.