Tony Abbott makes pilgrimage to grave of Eddie Koiki Mabo

For Gail Mabo, Tony Abbott’s ­“pilgrimage’’ to the island paradise of her father was a long time coming.

Abbott - Monday

For Gail Mabo, Tony Abbott’s ­“pilgrimage’’ to the beloved island paradise of her father, land rights campaigner Eddie Koiki Mabo, may have been short but it was a long time coming for her family and the people of Mer.

The historic first visit of a prime minister, more than 20 years after the Torres Strait island became the cradle of native title rights for indigenous Australians, was the final step from a struggle that once divided a nation, and even the people of the 400-strong community.

The Prime Minister, accom­panied by Ms Mabo and led by ­traditional “warriors” of the Piadram clan, paid tribute at the grave of the former gardener and school principal, describing him as a “giant’’ who fought for justice.

Tony Abbott visits Mer

Mr Abbott said Mabo’s decade-long struggle to secure native title over the three Murray Islands, including Mer, culminating in the 1992 High Court decision, was still resonating as Australia moved ­towards constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians.

“All Australians now embrace Eddie Koiki Mabo,’’ Mr Abbott said before placing a wreath at the hillside grave overlooking the beach where Mabo grew up in a thatched hut. “Yes, at the time there was much contention. He fought for justice. For many years justice was denied.

“Eventually — too late perhaps — but nevertheless, eventually justice was granted and now we are a people on the path to reconciliation in large measure because of what Eddie Koiki Mabo and his brothers and sisters fought for.’’

A tearful Ms Mabo described Mr Abbott’s visit as a “proud day’’ for her family and the community who, at the time of the court battle, were split over what her father was doing. “It is humbling for the Prime Minister to make the pilgrimage, to pay such respect to him in this place,’’ she said.

“My family is proud and so is the community; there were a lot of people who were scared at the time about what would happen, some who didn’t like how he was taking on the government.’’

Yet the native title debate is still alive for residents. Mr Abbott was presented with two letters, one from the prescribed body corporate set up after the native title win and one from an elders group — both wanting different changes to title over the island. PBC chair William Bero said his group wanted the government to hand over deeds on some land so it can be used as collateral for business loans. The elders accuse the PBC of selling out a nd want a review of a 2012 state transfer of land into communal Aboriginal freehold.