Thread by @BelindaJones68

Interesting tidbit... "William Willshire, who became notorious for his skill in “dispersing the natives”

Willshire was once defended by Sir John Downer.

Ancestor of 'nation-builders' @AlexanderDowner & @Georgina4Mayo

A fact they don't mention.
#auspol
news.com.au/national/polit…

In 1891 Willshire's men attacked sleeping Aborigines camped at Tempe Downs station. Two men died and their bodies were cremated. F. J. Gillen, Alice Springs sub-protector of Aborigines, investigated the reported episode & committed Willshire to Port Augusta for trial for murder.

As he was the first policeman to be so charged, and colonists felt their rights challenged, emotions ran high: public subscriptions provided Willshire's £2000 bail and retained Sir John Downer for his defence. Aboriginal witnesses attended, but problems over

accepting their evidence resulted in Willshire's popular acquittal.
adb.anu.edu.au/biography/will…

Read more about Sir John Downer's shameful history:

He was Premier of South Australia twice, during his entire political career he knew about the genocide of indigenous people, he knew it was illegal & yet he defended & was complicit in their genocide.
adb.anu.edu.au/biography/down…

The Downers have a very dark history, one they have NEVER acknowledged.

They have often acknowledged other achievements of their ancestors but always omit the bit about their ancestor Sir John being complicit in the genocide of indigenous people & defending Willshire.
#auspol

Mayo voters would be well to remember that this coming election when they decide whether to vote for @Georgina4Mayo

You can't heal the past if you don't acknowledge past mistakes & cherry-pick your history.

Sir John Downer 'built' a nation on genocide.
#auspol #AlwaysWillBe