Robert Ian Viner (born 21 January 1933) is an Australian barrister and politician. He was a member of the House of Representatives from 1972 to 1983,representing the Liberal Party,and held senior ministerial office in the Fraser government.
Following the Coalition's victory at the 1975 federal election,Viner was appointed Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in the Fraser government on 22 December 1975.[1] He was reportedly a "surprise inclusion" in the ministry,having not been a part of Fraser's shadow cabinet and having previously had limited involve in Aboriginal affairs.[5] He was responsible for the introduction of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976,the first federal native title legislation,and the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976,which allowed for the establishment of Aboriginal corporations under federal law.[2] He promoted "self-management and self-sufficiency" for Indigenous Australians,called for greater teaching of Aboriginal language and culture in Australian schools,and established the Council for Aboriginal Development as an advisory body.[6]
Viner was an unsuccessful candidate for the deputy leadership of the Liberal Party in April 1982,following Phillip Lynch's resignation. He polled only five votes out of 81 and was eliminated on the first round,sparking speculation about his future as a minister.[7] In a ministerial reshuffle the following month,Viner was removed from cabinet and instead appointed Minister for Defence Support. He retained that position until his defeat by Labor candidate Ron Edwards at the 1983 election.[1]
Later activities
Viner was elected state president of the Liberal Party in Western Australia in 1991.[8] He was defeated for re-election by Bill Hassell the following year.[9] He was associated with a group opposing powerbroker Noel Crichton-Browne,and was allegedly involved in the leaking of domestic violence allegations against Crichton-Browne which contributed to the end of his parliamentary career. Crichtown-Browne's supporters then unsuccessfully attempted to have Viner expelled from the party.[10][11]
Viner had seven children with his wife Ngaire. They lived in Swanbourne until 1977,when they relocated to Waterman in order to live in his electorate boundaries.[13]
Viner played field hockey throughout his political career and later captained Australia at a masters level.[4]
Viner was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 1999.[14]
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