Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge the sad passing of Leigh Bruce 'Tracker' Tilmouth, a staunch Labor supporter and a mighty Territorian. He was a fierce advocate for Aboriginal Australians and will be remembered as an iconic Territorian. Tracker did not have an easy start in life. A member of the stolen generations, he was taken from his family and community and sent to Retta Dixon Home and later to Croker Island.

From these beginnings he went on to have a formative role in establishing the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service and a local Aboriginal health service in Alice Springs. He served as a director of the Central Land Council and was an outspoken advocate for Aboriginal people right across the Northern Territory and, indeed, here in Canberra.

He and I did not always agree, especially on political views, but no-one could doubt the strength of his convictions or his selfless commitment. He was not quite 62 years old, but his footprint on history is out of all proportions to his years. May he rest in peace. As I said, he will be remembered as an outstanding iconic Territorian and will be sorely missed.