How to lose friends and influence people

The Bennelong Society website does not explain what one has to achieve to be considered for award honours so we must assume Mundine has been rewarded for his public advocacy on behalf of John Howard as a member of his hand-picked National Indigenous Council.

Kevin gave a long speech leading in to his presentation to Mr Mundine, “... a truly inspirational man”.

He told the gathering the case for “... reforming Australia’s welfare system from one of purely entitlements and inability to one of capacity, opportunity, incentives and responsibilities has been a long-time coming”.

“If I were to nominate one group of leaders who have agitated policy makers into action,” he added, “it would have (to be) found among Australian Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. This trailblazing leadership has forcefully put the moral case for reform.”

He commended the Bennelong Society for “... generating debate on the economic opportunities available to Indigenous Australians living in remote Australia,” before turning to matters at hand.

“Another individual who has been generating debate on economic independence in Indigenous communities is this year’s Bennelong Medal recipient, Mr Warren Mundine,” he said. “I have to be very selective when I commend members of the Australian Labor Party. If I do it too often, I may find myself out of a job at the next election. But seriously though, Warren has been a brave advocate for change.

“What makes Warren different though is that he puts forward practical solutions rather than simply heckling from the sidelines. His proposal to change the way community-owned land is controlled was aimed quite squarely at improving the wealth and wellbeing of his people.

“His representation on the new National Indigenous Council surprised many.

“However, this one time football coach rose through the ranks of the Dubbo City Council, and then through the ranks of the ALP to display a tremendous ability to motivate people into action.

“At a time Indigenous Australians are looking for inspirational leadership, I am honoured to present to you a truly inspirational man, the 2005 Bennelong Medal winner, Mr Warren Mundine ...”

Mundine’s acceptance of the award motivated a number of people into action. Mostly against him. But we will come to that.

Mundine had a different message for Indigenous leaders. He delivered a speech as light on content as a cotton ball. But he managed to put himself squarely to the right of Minister Andrews. Mundine said it was unfortunate but there “... has now developed a group of Indigenous Australians who claim leadership of our people who wish also to preserve us as museum pieces as well as keep us locked in poverty and socially dysfunctional communities. It keeps them in a job.”