ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Singer-songwriter Kev Carmody has penned a protest song this week calling for the release of Uncle Tony X – the Prime Minister’s special envoy on Indigenous Affairs.
Last weekend, the prominent Northern Beaches elder was thrown in gaol after failing to get a taxi home after the South Sydney Rabbitohs historic win against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Since then, the activist has since converted to Islam and has had a few run-ins with a couple jailhouse skinheads.
He’s since been held without charge at Sydney’s Silverwater Correctional Facility Remand Centre where he awaits a hearing.
Rumours have swirled today that Uncle Tony might get day release tomorrow to take part in this weekend’s Koori Knockout tournament in Dubbo.
Until then, he sits in prison – which is something Carmody wanted to highlight.
The Ballard of Uncle Tony X chronicles the life and times of Uncle Tony, who’s experienced an untold personal struggle since becoming the special envoy on Indigenous Affairs.
Carmody took to social media today to release the song, calling on the powers that be to release him and let justice prevail.
“I wrote this song for a warrior,” he said.
“Indigenous Australians are the most incarcerated people on the planet. Even our defacto leader and representative in this nation’s highest ivory tower is incarcerated. Does that sound normal to you?”
“So I wrote this song about it.”
The track is not for download and is only available via bootleg.
More to come.
