The 13-year-old granddaughter of Aboriginal activist Charles Perkins has gone on national television to ask all Australians to help end indigenous inequality.
In a two-minute message run on every free-to-air and satellite TV network last night, Madeleine Madden called for the creation of real jobs and a better future for her people.
She said a huge effort could close the gap in one generation.
"This is my once in a lifetime opportunity to talk to you, Australia, about my people. Nearly everyone knows that Indigenous Australians face some pretty tough challenges so I don't want to talk to you about that," she said.
"But I do want to talk to you about the real things that can make our lives better. With a job, a real job, you can look after yourself, your family, and help your community.
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"If a huge effort is made the gap between my people and other Australians can be closed in one generation."
The Sydney teenager delivered the message on behalf of the not-for-profit group GenerationOne.
