Artist:

Tony Albert

An important part of our history, which for so long has been ignored, is the significant contribution made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women during war times. Coloured Diggers, as they are known, have fought in every war since the Boer War. (This does not include the important Frontier Wars fought on Australian soil that still remain unrecognised.) While enlisted these soldiers were treated as equals, united by bravery to protect their country. Like other Australian soldiers, they were tortured, they took bullets and shrapnel, some lost limbs and others lost lives. However, on return to Australia they were greeted by the same racism they faced before leaving for war.

The equality shared in the trenches was all but lost—Aboriginal diggers were refused entry into veteran hotels, denied the land grants that were given to white soldiers and, up until 1967, were not even considered citizens of Australia. This is not a work that glorifies war. It is to honour our service men and women, who for so long were subjected to profound racial discrimination despite their bravery. Today, I stand here honoured to play a role in overturning this history of misrecognition.

Photo: Mark Pokorny

Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji peoples)
Thou didst let fall 2014
Courtesy the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney Gift of the artist 2017. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji peoples)
The Hand You're Dealt 2016
Courtesy the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney Purchased 2017 in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum

Search for works by this artist in the national collection.

Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji peoples)