THE Australian Greens has condemned the “vile racism” behind the vandalism of Greens SA Senate candidate and ex-Millicent High School student Major Moogy Sumner’s election post.
Sitting Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the vandalism did not represent South Australia, saying Mr Sumner is a beloved and respected leader in the state.
“We need First Australians in our Parliament and they need to be able to participate without these kinds of attacks,” she said.
“People on all sides of politics respect him, love him and I know wish him well for this election.
“I am so proud to have such a distinguished aboriginal elder standing shoulder to shoulder with me in this election campaign.
“Our Parliament and our state would be all the richer with Moogy Sumner in the Senate.”
Mr Sumner said while the vandalism was disappointing, he said it would not stop him for standing up what he believed in.
“My face is well known in Adelaide,” he said.
“People know who I am and what I stand for.
“Here I am, you’re not going to scare me away.”
Mr Sumner has had a long involvement with Millicent and district schools through the Talkindjeri Dance Group.
Known widely as “Moogy”, the Ngarrinjeri elder is a world-renowned artist, performer and cultural ambassador and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2014.
He was the Greens candidate in the seat of Mayo in the by-election held last year and received the party’s endorsement as its number two candidate on the Senate ticket behind Ms Hanson-Young.
