In the realm of politics, the phrase “You are the company you keep” resonates profoundly. It serves as a reminder that the associations we cultivate—whether with friends, colleagues, or political allies—reflect not only our values but also our character. This principle is particularly pertinent when examining the historical and ongoing affiliations of the ACT Labor Party with individuals espousing white supremacist ideologies.
A troubling incident from May 2002 exemplifies this disturbing connection. Angel Marina, an employee of the ACT Government, wrote a letter to the ACT Under Treasurer, Mr. Howard Ronaldson, demanding the dismissal of his Indigenous line manager. In a shocking display of prejudice, Marina claimed that “all Aborigines are compulsive liars and criminals” and deemed them “unsuitable to hold management positions.” His request was not merely a personal grievance; it was a blatant act of racism that sought to undermine the integrity of Indigenous leadership within the ACT Public Service.
Marina’s campaign of discrimination bore fruit approximately nineteen months later when his line manager was dismissed, based on a false Public Interest Disclosure (PID) submitted by Marina in December 2003. The veracity of Marina’s claims has been thoroughly discredited, particularly in light of the outcome of the 2017 ACT Supreme Court case in which I emerged victorious with a unanimous 16-0 verdict. This case was predicated on a false affidavit attributed to me, my original affidavit having mysteriously disappeared from the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) registry prior to mid-2014. The referral of this matter to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) by the ACT Solicitor General, Peter Garrison, raises significant questions about the integrity of the process, especially considering that he must have known the document was a forgery.
At the time of these events, Katy Gallagher served as the ACT Chief Minister and is now the Commonwealth Finance Minister. Her involvement in the referral process suggests a troubling complicity in the perpetuation of Marina’s false narrative. The current ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, was also in office during my trial, yet despite the evident perjury committed by multiple ACT Government employees, no charges have been brought against them under his leadership.
The crux of this issue lies in the actions of ACT Treasurer Ted Quinlan and Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, who, during Marina’s initial outburst of racism, chose to support him over his Indigenous victim. Both Quinlan and Stanhope were prominent figures in the ACT Labor Government at that time. Their decision to align with Marina not only reflects a grave moral failing, but also highlights a systemic issue within ACT Labor that continues to this day.
Despite my resounding legal victory in 2017, ACT Labor has failed to distance itself from Marina’s racist narrative. Instead, they have perpetuated a story that has become so entrenched that it appears the political needle is stuck in a groove of bigotry and discrimination. This conscious decision to maintain ties with a known white supremacist raises serious questions about the values upheld by the ACT Labor Party.
As we revisit these events, it is imperative to recognise the implications of such associations. Political parties must be held accountable for the company they keep, as these relationships ultimately shape their policies, their governance, and their legacy. The ACT Labor Party’s ongoing complicity with individuals like Angel Marina not only tarnishes their reputation but also undermines the progress towards equality and justice for Indigenous Australians.
The legacy of ACT Labor’s association with white supremacy is a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done in confronting racism and fostering genuine inclusivity within our political institutions. It is time for ACT Labor to reevaluate its relationships and take a definitive stand against the ideologies that seek to divide us. Only then can we hope to build a future that reflects the values of respect, equality, and justice for all.
