Anthony Mundine has fiercely criticized “racist” Australia, demanding modifications to the Australian flag and national anthem.
On Friday, Mundine held a press conference to clarify previous remarks he made regarding Daniel Geale’s heritage.
However, Mundine refrained from expressing remorse to Geale, asserting that his statements were aimed at “the system.”
“I apologize if my comments have offended some Aborigines in Tasmania. I understand that many Aboriginals in Tasmania are proud of their heritage, just like I am,” Mundine stated.
“There are individuals who secure jobs and receive benefits while claiming they are Aboriginal simply because they have a great-great-great-great grandparent. I believe that’s incorrect.
“The system should prioritize the Aboriginals who truly need support instead of trying to help everyone.
“Perhaps a cut-off or scaling system could be established, where individuals with distant Aboriginal ancestry get assistance, but not at the same level as a first-generation Aboriginal.
“I view myself as a leader for Aboriginal people in this nation and will persist in advocating for the justice I deem necessary.
The boxer subsequently described Australia as “one of the most racist countries” globally.
“Essentially, everyone who relocates here, including many close friends and family, agrees that Australia is among the most racist nations,” Mundine mentioned.
“The first issue I want to address is the flag.
“There’s never been any representation for us on the flag, while the Union Jack represents the invasion, the murder, and the plundering.
“It’s fostering division in Australia instead of unity. For us Aboriginal people, the original custodians of the land, we need our presence reflected on the flag. This is something I have urged the government, Julia Gillard, and all politicians to consider.
“At this moment, what that flag signifies … I am unable to support it.”
Mundine, who faced backlash in 2001 for implying that the United States was responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks, also advocated for amendments to Advance Australia Fair.
“Anyone who examines the history knows about the White Australia policy that lasted from 1901 to 1978, and that was essentially the anthem,” he remarked.
by Terence Johns
