‘Indigenous leaders have condemned Mr Abbott’s comments as “wrong”, saying they overlook the cultural connection of community members to the land and say they set back the Prime Minister’s genuine commitment to the First Australians. Prominent Aboriginal lawyer and activist Noel Person has delivered the most scathing rebuke telling ABC Radio that Mr Abbott’s comments are “hopeless,” “disappointing,” and “disrespectful”.
‘”I’m just bitterly disappointed to hear this deranged debate go into the substandard manner in which it’s being conducted,” he told The World Today.
‘The Greens and Labor are demanding Mr Abbott apologise for what they say is an insensitive and racist remark.’
(Brisbane Times, 11.3.15)