Noel Pearson's eulogy for Gough Whitlam praised as one for the ages

Megan Levy

Indigenous leader Noel Pearson's powerful eulogy for Gough Whitlam at his state memorial service is being hailed on social media as one of the best political speeches of our time.

The chairman of the Cape York Group paid tribute to "this old man" Whitlam, praising his foresight and moral vision in striving for universal opportunity in Australia.

Noel Pearson received rave reviews for his tribute to Gough Whitlam. Photo: Peter Rae

He even channelled Monty Python as he listed Whitlam's achievements, saying: "And what did the Romans ever do for us anyway?", to laughter and clapping from the audience. He then answered his own question, reeling off a great list of Whitlam's achievements, including Medibank, the abolition of conscription, the introduction of student financial assistance and Aboriginal land rights.

Mr Pearson said as a person born into poverty and discrimination, he spoke of "this old man's legacy with no partisan brief".

"Only those born bereft truly know the power of opportunity," Mr Pearson said.

"We salute this old man for his great love and dedication to his country and to the Australian people.

"When he breathed he truly was Australia's greatest white elder and friend without peer to the original Australians."

Thousands of those gathered outside Sydney's Town Hall sang along to From Little Things, Big Things Grow, about the Indigenous struggle for land rights and recognition in Australia.

Within minutes of his speech, #noelpearson was trending on Twitter in Australia and his oration was being heaped in praise.

Watch the full speech for yourself in the video player at the top of this story, or read the transcript here.

Megan Levy

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/noel-pearsons-eulogy-for-gough-whitlam-praised-as-one-for-the-ages-20141105-11h7vm.html#ixzz3IAxKZurN