Clinton set out on his epic 'Walk For Justice,' from Perth to Canberra, in September last year. More than eight months later he is still walking, and Melbourne is in sight.
Despite his remoteness, Clinton has been paying attention to the national conversation. He told NITV he supports the Uluru Statement, but is wary of a treaty with the current government.
“A treaty is meant to be between two sovereign nations, but this is a corporate government,” he said.
“I’d like to speak with the Governor-General and the Queen about a real treaty.”
His message has evolved since he first set-off for the Prime Minister’s doorstep. Clinton was motivated to walk across the country when the West Australian Barnett government announced plans to forcibly close Aboriginal communities. However, after talking with people from several communities, his list has grown.
Among the most pressing issues raised during Clinton’s walk is the need for suicide-prevention and mental health services in remote and regional areas.
“There are no services to assist our people to talk about their problems, and no jobs out there in small towns. Food prices are high, and on top of that a lot of our people don’t get paid much on Centrelink benefits,” he said.
Clinton wants to see more jobs made available to people in communities, before they are given to people from out of town. He believes many of these issues can be solved if communities are run by elders.
“It’s about time they started listening to our people,” he said.
Now just days away from Melbourne, Clinton wants to see more people getting involved. On June 6 he will march with Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) through Melbourne.
“I’m feeling great; I’m excited for a big march in Melbourne. This is big show now,” he said.
And with the temperature dropping, Clinton and his team are looking for donations of warm clothes, blankets and shoes.
He aims to be in Melbourne this Saturday night.
