Iconic Aboriginal senator deemed crucial to defending government’s ‘yes’ argument to Voice referendum gets ‘months’ off for medical treatment
- Aboriginal leader Pat Dodson takes leave
- The Labor senator steps down for medical treatment
Aboriginal elder and the ‘Father of Atonement’ Patrick Dodson has announced that he will be taking a leave of absence from parliament so that he can receive medical treatment for an illness.
The Labor senator, who was a key figure in pushing for the creation of ‘The Voice’, revealed in a post on Twitter on Thursday that he would be temporarily stepping down from his duties.
“I would like to inform you personally that I will be absent from Parliament for the next few months while undergoing medical treatment,” he wrote.
Senator Dodson acknowledged his heavy workload this year leading up to the Voice referendum and expressed regret that his commitments would be “limited.”
“I am aware that during this time I had a large workload planned in my role as Special Envoy for Reconciliation and Implementation of the Uluru Declaration from the Heart,” he said.
Aboriginal Senator Pat Dodson (pictured) has announced he will be absent from parliament for ‘the next few months’
“I regret that my work commitments, especially travel, will now be limited.”
“I want to thank everyone who has wished me well and ask that my privacy be respected.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed the government’s “best wishes” to Senator Dodson for the coming months.
“Every member of government is privileged to regard the Father of Atonement as a companion and a powerful source of wisdom and inspiration,” he wrote.
“Together with all Australians, we send @senatordodson our best wishes for strength in the battle ahead.”
A number of politicians and journalists also sent wishes to Senator Dodson.
“Rest and take care, Pat. We look forward to seeing you back in full flight as soon as you’re ready,” Labor MP Josh Burns tweeted.
ABC News host Patricia Karvelas wrote, “Watch out.”
“I send you lots of love and wishes for your recovery,” said Labor MP Anne Stanley.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed the government’s “best wishes” to Senator Dodson for the coming months
Senator Dodson was interviewed about his reaction to the Liberal party’s decision to oppose the Voice referendum on the ABC just hours before he made the statement about his health.
“This is no small matter,” he said.
“I am saddened by the fact that Coalition MPs have chosen to play politically on this, rather than respond in a more constructive manner, as Bridget Archer has done, and some others have responded.”
“This is a sad state of affairs for a major party, in our national polity, to play like we’re rag dolls in the process of national reconciliation, national restitution, for the legacies of history and just throw it away… and push it aside.’
The Aboriginal leader made no reference to his decision to take leave in the interview.