Indigenous Leader Condemns Australia's Support for US-Israeli Strikes on Iran
An Aboriginal leader has launched a scathing critique of the Albanese government's decision to support United States and Israeli military strikes against Iran. Bruce Mukadda Shillingsworth, a 34-year-old Muruwarri and Budjiti man, has voiced strong opposition to Canberra's alignment with what he describes as "completely useless countries" that fail to contribute to Australia's national interests.
Questioning Colonial Governance
Shillingsworth challenged the fundamental competency of Australia's current political leadership, stating: "Let's talk about the colonial competency to manage and to run a country here for a second. And why First Nations - even now more than ever - need to be brought forward to continue to govern this continent."
He specifically targeted Australia's decision to side with Israel and the United States, arguing that these nations "do not contribute to the health, welfare, well-being, or the best interest of the Australian construct." The Indigenous leader expressed particular concern about Australia antagonizing Iran, a country that partially supplies Australia's oil and could potentially disrupt fuel supplies.
Fuel Crisis Concerns
Shillingsworth connected the geopolitical situation directly to Australia's domestic fuel crisis, noting that Australians are experiencing skyrocketing fuel prices atop an existing cost of living emergency. "Some of the fuel stations here are shut down. Fuel prices have gone through the roof," he observed, expressing astonishment at the government's approach.
The fuel situation has reached critical levels, with almost 200 petrol stations across New South Wales reporting diesel shortages and at least 32 completely out of fuel. In Victoria, 134 stations lack one or more fuel types. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has convened a second national cabinet meeting to address the crisis, with proposed measures including public transport discounts, work-from-home arrangements, and carpooling initiatives.
Military Deployment Criticism
The Indigenous activist also criticised Australia's military contribution to the region, referencing the March 10 announcement that the Australian Defence Force would deploy an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to the United Arab Emirates along with eighty-five personnel and air-to-air missiles. Shillingsworth dismissed supporters of this deployment as "dumbasses" who fail to recognize how such actions undermine Australia's interests.
Advocating for First Nations Governance
Shillingsworth presented his criticisms as evidence for why First Nations people should govern Australia instead of the current administration. He leads what he calls a "Tribal Lore Enforcement" body covering approximately 200 square kilometres and serving between 2,000 and 3,000 people, predominantly Indigenous communities from Bourke to Enngonia near the Queensland border.
"First of all, there is a difference between law and lore," Shillingsworth explained. "Lore is in reference to natural lore. First Nations people have that close relationship with the land, the flora, fauna, all of it. So it's very very different from man-made law."
He emphasized that this system represents ancient Indigenous governance rather than a recent creation: "We've had this system in place since existence. We've been doing this for thousands upon thousands of years. It's a really good thing for us to be able to bring our systems and processes forward in order to manage our own affairs."
Much of Tribal Lore Enforcement's work involves helping young people understand cultural roles and responsibilities while managing community affairs. Shillingsworth acknowledged some conflict with existing systems regarding jurisdictional recognition and respect for Indigenous knowledge and expertise.
Background Context
Shillingsworth was previously found guilty of helping start a fire that caused $5.3 million in damage to Old Parliament House in 2023. The hospitality sector is responding to the fuel crisis with proposals for a five percent surcharge on customers as transport and delivery costs surge, with the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association urging businesses to implement temporary surcharges on all meals, including takeaways.
