Ernie Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernie Bridge
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the Western Australian Parliament for Kimberley |
|
| In office 23 February 1980 – 10 February 2001 |
|
| Preceded by | Alan Ridge |
| Succeeded by | Carol Martin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ernest Francis Bridge
15 December 1936 Halls Creek, Western Australia, Australia |
| Died | 31 March 2013 (aged 76) Perth, Western Australia |
| Political party | Labor (1980–1996) |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (1996–2001) |
| Spouse | Mavis Ida Bridge (née Granger) (1960–2009; her death) |
| Children | 4 |
Ernest Francis Bridge, AM (15 December 1936 – 31 March 2013) was an important Australian politician and a talented country music singer. He was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1980 to 2001. He represented the Kimberley area. He first served as a member of the Labor Party (1980–1996). Later, he became a Labor Independent MP (1996–2001). Ernie Bridge made history as the first Indigenous Australian to become a Cabinet minister in any Australian government.
Contents
Who Was Ernie Bridge?
Ernie Bridge was born in Halls Creek. He came from a family with a long history in Australia. Before he entered politics, he worked as a pastoralist, managing large farms, and was also a successful businessman. He helped start the Aboriginal Lands Trust in 1972. This group works to manage and protect land for Aboriginal people. He also served on the Halls Creek local council from 1962 to 1979.
At four years old, Ernie was baptised at the Catholic mission in Balgo. He was the very first person to be baptised there.
His Journey in Politics
Ernie Bridge first ran for parliament in 1980. He aimed to win the Kimberley seat for the Labor Party. He won against the Liberal Party's Alan Ridge. This made him the first Aboriginal person to be a member of the Western Australian parliament. For his first two terms, he was a regular member of parliament. He was re-elected in 1983 and 1986.
Becoming a Minister
After the Labor government won again in 1986, Ernie Bridge was given a special role. Premier Brian Burke made him an Honorary Minister. He helped the Ministers for Water Resources, The North-West, and Aboriginal Affairs. This was a huge step, as he became the first Indigenous politician in Australia to serve in a ministerial role.
In July 1986, he was promoted to a full Minister. He was in charge of Water Resources, the North-West, and Aboriginal Affairs. In 1988, he became the Minister for Small Business. Then, in 1989, he returned to his earlier roles. He became Minister for Agriculture, Water Resources, and the North West. He held these important jobs until the Labor government lost the election in 1993.
After the Government Changed
Even after Labor lost, Ernie Bridge continued to be an important voice. He was part of the Shadow Ministry from 1993 to 1996. He focused on trade and Aboriginal affairs. In 1996, he left the Labor Party. He then ran and was re-elected as an Independent Labor Member for Kimberley. He retired from politics in 2001.
Helping Indigenous Communities
In 1997, Ernie Bridge started a non-profit group called Unity of First People of Australia. This organisation helps Aboriginal people in Western Australia. It supports them in finding jobs in areas like law, health, and education.
Ernie Bridge also had big ideas for water supply. He suggested building a water pipeline from the Fitzroy River to Perth. Later, he even proposed a larger plan. This plan involved piping water from rivers in northern Queensland to cities in south-eastern Australia.
Beyond Politics: Music
Besides his political career, Ernie Bridge was also a well-known country music singer. He released several albums and singles throughout his life. His music often reflected his connection to the land and Australian life.
Ernie Bridge's Music Albums
- Sings Kimberly Favourites (1979)
- Helicopter Ringer (1980)
- Live at the Concert Hall (1982)
- Signs It Australian (1983)
- Great Australian Dream (1990)
Music with Noel Bridge
- 200 Years Ago (1994)
Honours and Awards
Ernie Bridge received several important awards for his service:
- On 13 June 1993, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This was for his work in the Western Australian Parliament and for Aboriginal Affairs.
- On 1 January 2001, he was given the Centenary Medal. This award recognised his service to parliament and Aboriginal affairs.
- On 11 June 2012, he was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This honour was for his service to the Indigenous community, especially for supporting health programs, and for his work in the Parliament of Western Australia.
Ernie Bridge was married to Mavis Bridge from 1960 until her passing in March 2009. They had two daughters and two sons.
See also
