Shorten takes swipe at Abbott over Mabo

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has criticised Tony Abbott's old views on the Eddie Mabo decision, while taking the opportunity to visit his widow.

Bill Shorten. (AAP) Source: AAP

While Tony Abbott paid a graveside homage to Eddie Mabo, Bill Shorten was meeting the widow of the indigenous lands rights campaigner.

The opposition leader told reporters in Cairns he was pleased to see the prime minister making the trip to Mer Island during Mr Abbott's week-long stay in the Torres Strait.

"I think hopefully this shows a maturing in Mr Abbott's views from 20 years ago when he said ... the Mabo decision was dividing Australia," Mr Shorten said on Monday after greeting Bonita Mabo.