Miller, Damien --- "A tribute to Rob Riley" [1996] HRightsDef 18; (1996) Human Rights Defender

Rob Riley - Aboriginal Leader

Born Moora, 10 December 1954

Died Perth, 1 May 1996, aged 41.

By Damien Miller

A Tribute

I first heard Rob Riley speak in Sydney in June 1995 at the conference on UN Human Rights Procedures and Indigenous Australians. I recall meeting him and being struck by the breadth of his knowledge and experience in Aboriginal human rights issues, but more significantly by his passion for seeking and creating solutions to the injustices that confront Aboriginal people every day.

As a young Aboriginal person, I have deep admiration and respect for Rob Riley as a leader, a visionary and some-one who was a constant and constructive advocate for the realisation of the rights of all Aboriginal people, now and in the future. Despite the frustration and high personal costs of the struggle, he never lot his fantastic sense of humour. Robs commitment as a courageous fighter will not be forgotten. He has inspired and paved the way for many other young people to continue the struggle for justice. It is my hope that as Aboriginal youth, we can learn from his profound motivation, tactical skills and sincerity.

Damien Miller is an Aboriginal Law Student at the University of New South Wales.