Michael Mansell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Mansell
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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 June 5, 1951) is an important Tasmanian Aboriginal (Palawa) activist and lawyer. He has worked hard to make social, political, and legal changes for his community.
Mansell is partly of Palawa descent. His mother's family is from the Trawlwoolway group, and his father's family is from the Pinterrairer group. Both are Indigenous groups from north-eastern Tasmania.
Early Life and Background
Michael Mansell was born in 1951 in Launceston, Tasmania. His parents were Clyda and Clarence Mansell. He is a third-generation Cape Barren Islander. This means his family has lived on Cape Barren Island for a long time. His ancestors include Aboriginal women and sealers from the Bass Strait.
Mansell's parents grew up on the Cape Barren Island reserve. They moved to Launceston after World War II to find jobs. Even though they moved, the family stayed connected to Cape Barren Island. They also kept up with the muttonbirding industry, which is a traditional activity.
As a child, Michael lived in places like Lefroy and George Town. He went to high school in George Town. He left school at 15 and started working at the Bell Bay aluminium smelter. Later, he worked for Tasmanian Government Railways. He was once fired for defending himself against someone who made fun of his Aboriginal background.
Mansell also played senior Australian rules football when he was young. He started playing for the Launceston Football Club at 17. A serious car accident stopped his football career for a while. However, he later returned to play high-level football with the North Hobart Football Club.
Fighting for Rights
From a young age, Michael Mansell was a strong protester. He spoke out about how Tasmanian Aboriginal people were treated. He wanted to achieve land rights and better living conditions for his people. He realized that just protesting was not enough to reach his goals.
Mansell decided to study law at the University of Tasmania. He graduated in 1983. He then started his career as a lawyer. His goal was to defend the rights of Aboriginal people. He also worked to bring about important reforms. Since then, he has become a qualified barrister and solicitor. This means he can practice law in the Supreme Court of Tasmania and the High Court of Australia.
In 1972, he helped set up the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre. He became its chairman and legal manager. He also helped start the Aboriginal Provisional Government in 1990. This group aimed to create a self-governing body for Aboriginal people.
Important Achievements
Michael Mansell has received recognition for his work. He was named "Aboriginal of the Year" in 1987. This award was given at the National NAIDOC Awards. NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee.
He also played a very important part in creating the Native Title Act 1993. This law came about after the Mabo v Queensland case. The Native Title Act recognized the rights of Indigenous Australians to their traditional lands.
In 1987, Mansell ran as an independent candidate. He wanted to represent Tasmania in the Australian Senate. This was during the 1987 Australian federal election on July 11, 1987. He did not win the election, receiving 1,102 votes.
