During McMahon's period in office, Neville Bonner joined the Senate and became the first Indigenous Australian in the Australian Parliament. Bonner was chosen by the Liberal Party to fill a Senate vacancy in 1971 and celebrated his maiden parliamentary speech with a boomerang throwing display on the lawns of Parliament. Bonner went on to win election at the 1972 election and served as a Liberal Senator for 12 years. He worked on Indigenous and social welfare issues and proved an independent minded Senator, often crossing the floor on Parliamentary votes. COUNT 3
QSN1 Who became the first indigenous Austrailian in Parliament? ANS1 Neville Bonner QSN2 How long did Bonner serve as a Liberal Senator? ANS2 12 years QSN3 How was Bonner appointed his position? ANS3 chosen by the Liberal Party to fill a Senate vacancy in 1971