The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, has paid tribute to the former Chairman of the Northern Land Council, Mr Wunungmurra, who passed away this afternoon at Gove Hospital.

“Mr Wunungmurra was a highly respected Senior elder, Mala leader and law man of the Dhalwangu clan of North East Arnhem Land,” Minister Scullion said.

“As one of 12 signatories to the Yirrkala Bark Petitions sent by Yolngu people to the Australian Parliament in 1963, Mr Wunungmurra played a pivotal role in the recognition of land rights and the reconciliation process.”

Mr Wunungmurra served his people with distinction from his time as a teacher at Yirrkala through to his leadership of the Northern Land Council as Chairman from 2007 to 2013.

“Only last week, Mr Wunungmurra was honoured as a Yolngu Hero at the 2015 Garma Festival for being one of the greatest of modern Yolngu leaders.

“It is fitting that this award for Mr Wunungmurra praised his own style as an advocate who has been a trusted confidant of many Yolngu and non-Yolngu leaders.

“The Government extends its deepest condolences to Mr Wunungmurra’s family, his community and the Northern Land Council, at this difficult time,” Minister Scullion said.