The Centenary of Federation is an appropriate time to acknowledge the ‘First Federation’ of Indigenous nations and to help mark the achievements of Indigenous Australians and their contribution to Australia during the past 100 years. In this issue, Local Government FOCUS profiles the Shire President of Broome and proud Indigenous multicultural Australian, Kevin Fong.
Since Federation, very few Aboriginal people have been voted in to political office at any level of government. Among those Aboriginal people who have been elected to Federal or State Parliament are Liberal Senator, the late Neville Bonner AO, and WA Labor longtimer Ernie Bridge. Currently, in Federal and State Government there is the Deputy Leader of the Australian Democrats, Senator Aden Ridgeway and Bridge’s successor, MLA Carol Martin, the first Aboriginal woman to be elected to an Australian parliament.
But if you want to make a difference in the day to day life of your community, then Local Government is arguably your best bet. One man working hard to make such a difference in his community is the Shire President of Broome Shire Council, Councillor Kevin Fong.
With a Torres Strait Islander, Malaysian and Chinese background, he describes himself as ‘Indigenous multicultural Australian’. Kevin Fong is keenly aware of the importance of cultural diversity in a modern, democratic society.
“The biggest asset that I have in my role is being multicultural,” he said. “I try to be balanced and to see all different points of view and act as a conduit in accommodating all interest groups.”
A third generation Broome boy, Councillor Fong has a hectic schedule that sees him putting in very long hour days with alarming regularity. Apart from his mayoral duties, he has a full time job as Managing Director of Indigenous owned media group, Goolarri Media Enterprises, and is a husband and father of two.
“It’s real hard yakka,” he said. ‘I’m striving for the sustainability of Goolarri while at the same time ensuring that the Shire is representing the views of its constituents and fighting for every opportunity in terms of resources from the State and Commonwealth Governments.”
Ever since the advent of its pearling industry, Broome has been a cultural melting pot and a popular tourist destination. With all that natural beauty and all those natural resources, the people of Broome are keen to ensure that a balance is struck between economic and ecological growth and sustainability. Which is probably why they voted for Kevin Fong.
“I just felt that, rather than sitting on the sidelines with my opinions but not actually being involved, it was time to step up and be part of the system that ensures a balance is maintained,” Councillor Fong said. “I was also eager to provide leadership, employment and opportunities for our younger generation.”
One of his current projects through the Shire is the restoration of Streeter’s Jetty, which has also received support from a Federation Fund grant. Set to re open in September, it is a perfect example of Kevin Fong’s skills in bringing the people of the area together for a common cause all can benefit from.
Broome has one of the highest Indigenous populations in Australia, so it makes sense to have an Indigenous multicultural Australian in such an important role.
Asked why there aren’t more Indigenous people running for election around Australia, Kevin Fong replies, “It’s the same old shame principle.” Fortunately, that principle does not seem to operate in Broome, which boasts three Indigenous members on its Shire Council.
Councillor Fong hopes that by leading through example, other Indigenous people will decide to seek careers in politics at all levels.
“I think there needs to be a continual push and marketing of Indigenous participation in politics, and then there will be an increase,” he said.
Local Governments across Australia have the potential to be the largest employer of Aboriginal people. Broome Shire Council currently offers 20 Indigenous traineeships, ranging from land management to administration.
This has helped to encourage young Indigenous people in the area to join the workforce and take advantage of Broome’s diverse range of industries.
“I’m into real tangible stuff,” Kevin Fong said. “I want to get people interested in contributing social capital as a way of advancing their community.”
Councillor Fong has much in store for Broome, but his biggest hope is to see an agreement embedded in Federal and State legislation that enshrines local participation in all issues affecting the area.
“Local people like to govern themselves and I’d like to see legislative changes where Local Government is a real stakeholder,” he said.
