Michael Mansell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Mansell
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| Personal details | |
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Michael Alexander Mansell
5 June 1951 Launceston, Tasmania, Australia |
| Residences | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Alma mater | University of Tasmania |
| Occupation | Lawyer, activist |
Michael Alexander Mansell (born 5 June 1951) is an important Tasmanian Aboriginal (Palawa) leader and lawyer. He has worked hard to bring about social, political, and legal changes for Aboriginal people in Australia.
Michael Mansell is part of the Palawa people. His family comes from the Trawlwoolway group on his mother's side and the Pinterrairer group on his father's side. Both of these are Indigenous groups from north-eastern Tasmania.
Growing Up in Tasmania
Michael Mansell was born in 1951 in Launceston, Tasmania. His parents were Clyda and Clarence Mansell. He is from a family that has lived on Cape Barren Island for many generations. His ancestors include Aboriginal women and Bass Strait sealers.
His parents grew up on the Cape Barren Island reserve. They moved to Launceston after World War II to find work. Even so, their family stayed connected to Cape Barren Island. They also kept up with the muttonbirding industry, which is an important part of their culture.
As a child, Michael lived in places like Lefroy and George Town. He went to high school in George Town. Michael left school when he was 15 years old. He first worked at an aluminium factory. Later, he worked for the Tasmanian Government Railways. He faced unfair treatment because he was Aboriginal.
Michael also enjoyed playing Australian rules football when he was young. He started playing for the Launceston Football Club at 17. A car accident stopped his football career for a while. But he later returned to play for the North Hobart Football Club.
Becoming a Lawyer and Activist
From a young age, Michael Mansell cared deeply about how Tasmanian Aboriginal people were treated. He wanted to see changes in their rights and living conditions. He realized that just protesting was not enough to make big changes.
So, Michael decided to study law at the University of Tasmania. He finished his degree in 1983. After that, he became a lawyer. His goal was to defend the rights of Aboriginal people. He also worked to bring about important reforms. Today, he is a qualified barrister and solicitor. This means he can work in the highest courts in Tasmania and Australia.
In 1972, Michael and others started the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre. He was the chairman and legal manager there. He also helped create the Aboriginal Provisional Government in 1990. This group aimed to give Aboriginal people more control over their own affairs.
Key Achievements and Recognition
Michael Mansell has received important awards for his work. In 1987, he was named "Aboriginal of the Year" at the National NAIDOC Awards. NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee.
He played a very important part in creating the Native Title Act 1993. This law came about after the Mabo v Queensland court case. The Native Title Act helps recognize the rights of Indigenous Australians to their traditional lands.
In 1987, Michael Mansell ran as an independent candidate. He wanted to represent Tasmania in the Australian Senate. This is part of the Australian Parliament. However, he was not successful in winning a seat.
