Abbott banking on indigenous candidate for key to Lodge (Sydney Morning Herald)

04 Aug Abbott banking on indigenous candidate for key to Lodge (Sydney Morning Herald)

The marginal seat stands on the precipice of history, writes Peter Ker.

SUPPORTERS of all political persuasions pass through the Derbarl Yerrigan Aboriginal health centre in the Perth suburb of Maddington, but clinic worker Rex Harradine reckons there might be one common thread.

”Most people do feel better if there is an Aboriginal running for Parliament; it does make them feel a bit more represented.”

If indigenous representation is what Aborigines in the marginal West Australian seat of Hasluck are seeking, they are being spoilt for choice.

Three candidates boasting indigenous blood have entered the race, and one of them, the Liberal candidate, Ken Wyatt, is considered a strong chance of snatching the seat from Labor – an effort that would make him the first Aborigine to win a place in Australia’s House of Representatives.

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