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OBITUARY:
LES LANHUPUY
Australia had lost a power-
ful advocate for reconciliation
and Aboriginal rights with
the death of the former Mem-
ber for Arnhem, Wes Lanhu-
puy, Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Affairs Minis-
ter Robert Tickner said yes-
terday.
Mr Lanhupuy, who became
one of Australia's first Aborig-
inal MPs when he won the
Arnhem Land seat in 1983,
was taken to hospital on
Thursday afternoon after a
heart attack. Efforts to resus-
citate him failed.
Mr Tickner said 42-year-old
Mr Lanhupuy had served the
Northern Territory Parlia-
ment for 12 years.
"During his time in the Par-
liament, Mr Lanhupuy was a
strong advocate for Aboriginal
customary law, land and sea
rights, native title and the
needs of his constituents in
Arnhem," he said.
"The respect with which Mr
Lanhupuy was held in both
traditional society and main-
stream politics made him a
great leader and role model
for Aboriginal and non-indi-
genous people."
Mr Lanhupuy retired from
Parliament in August because
of ill-health.
Mr Tickner said the pres-
sure of his work had taken a
great toll of Mr Lanhupuy's
health.
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