[3] He was one of the participants of the Australian Freedom Rides in 1965, along with figures such as activist Charles Perkins, QC Jim Spigelmen, journalist Darce Cassidy, and historian Ann Curthoys.
The Freedom Riders were all University students, and planned to go on a trip around country NSW exposing racism towards the indigenous community.
They formed their own group, the Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA) The Freedom Riders had three purposes:[4] The Freedom Riders picketed the Walgett RSL about its refusal to allow Aboriginal ex-servicemen to use the facilities.
It exposed the under-belly of small town racism and marked the renaissance of Aboriginal activism in Australia.
[1] He faced incumbent Labor candidate, Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where he came third with 23.03% of the first-preference vote.