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This entry is from the Australian Dictionary of Biography.

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National Library of Australia, As a child he participated in fishing and farming activities on Mer, absorbing Meriam culture. His first language was Meriam, but he also spoke Torres Strait Islander creole. He learnt English at the state school with special assistance from one of his teachers, Bob Miles, who recognised his ability and stressed the importance of English for his future involvement in mainland culture.

Fluency in English also placed him in leadership positions when he was in groups interacting with white Australians. On 2 February the Murray Islands Court found Mabo guilty of drinking alcohol and exiled him for one year in accordance with community by-laws. He worked aboard fishing vessels until and then as a cane cutter and railway fettler in Queensland.

During the s Mabo became involved in trade union politics, and became increasingly comfortable mixing with white people and adept at public speaking. In he was appointed a union representative for Torres Strait Islanders on the Townsville-Mount Isa rail reconstruction project. He was also a leader in Indigenous politics, serving as secretary of the Aborigines Advancement League Queensland from to This involvement increased after he was employed at the university as a gardener c.