Ernest Francis Bridge

Ernest Frances "Ernie" Bridge (born 15 December 1936) is an Australian politician and country music singer. He was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1980 to 2001, representing the electorate of Kimberley, first as an Australian Labor Party representative (1980–1996) and then as an independent MP (1996–2001). He was the first indigenous Australian to be a Cabinet minister in any Australian government. He is married and has 2 daughters and 2 sons. Bridge was born in Halls Creek. He was a pastorialist and businessman prior to entering politics, and was also a founding member of the Aboriginal Lands Trust in 1972. He served on the Halls Creek council from 1962–1979. He contested the marginal seat of Kimberley for...