If you could change just one thing about Australia, what would it be?
It’s hard to pick just one thing. There are a number of things that we need to change. I want to be able to put the compassion back into politics, especially when we talk about important issues like Indigenous affairs and immigration.
What is the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?
I’ve encountered racism like everyone else, but the worst was when someone said, “You’re the wrong colour.”
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
I’ve been fortunate to have been chosen to do a number of important jobs, like being elected to the Northern Territory Parliament and being the first woman to lead the Aboriginal Land Council.
Who or what do you see as the biggest threat to Australia?
Climate deniers, especially the Morrison-Joyce government and Clive Palmer.
Which historical figure do you most admire and why?
I’ve always admired Charles Perkins.
What would your final meal be?
Home-made curry chicken and rice (I make a mean curry chicken).
Terrific responses. But if I was Indigenous (and I am not, so I can only attempt to understand what this would be like) and someone said to me that “I was the wrong colour” I would have to laugh in their face, like when someone says something really stupid. Well done to Marion – I hope you never encounter such idiots again.
Wouldn’t that be good! But just a dream. Aboriginals are our best people, in my opinion, and we love to cr*p on our superiors.
Marion Scrymgour was spot on in saying “put the compassion back into politics, especially when we talk about important issues like Indigenous affairs and immigration”. It costs about $100,000 per person per year to disproportionately imprison Indigenous Australians (ignoring infrastructure costs) and has cost about $4 million per person per year to indefinitely imprison refugees without charge or trial in offshore concentration camps. Compassion and empathy would have diverted these huge sums into housing, health, education, dignity, opportunity and happiness. Coalition racism and cruelty instructs put the Coalition last.