Indigenous Diggers Remembered

Published Tuesday, 25 April, 2017 at 09:54 AM

Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Mark Furner

The contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diggers to Australian military campaigns is being honoured in communities across Queensland on ANZAC Day. 

Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Mark Furner said Indigenous diggers had served Australia in overseas conflicts for more than a century. 

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders were involved in overseas campaigns even before Australian Federation with up to a dozen Indigenous men serving as specialist trackers in the Boer War,” Mr Furner said. 

“Although the cultural backgrounds of soldiers weren’t included in enlistment records, it’s estimated more than 1,000 Indigenous diggers served during World War One while up to 5,000 fought in World War Two. 

“Some joined up for patriotic reasons, for others it was an opportunity to prove themselves as equals. 

“And by World War Two, almost every able-bodied Torres Strait Islander man had enlisted in the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion to defend Australia’s north.” 

Mr Furner said organisations such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dedicated Memorial Committee (Queensland) was ensuring the stories of Indigenous diggers were remembered for future generations. 

“Thousands of Indigenous diggers served our nation and the Empire overseas, largely on equal terms and equal pay, but were treated appallingly after the wars with few receiving the same entitlements and recognition as other returned soldiers,” Mr Furner said. 

“That’s why today, on ANZAC Day 2017, I’m urging Queenslanders to reflect and honour all Australians who have worn the uniform and served our country in times of conflict - regardless of campaign, skin colour or cultural background.”

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