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Assimilation and Protection
Those not deemed "full blood" were removed from their families under State Guardianship, and educated separately from the rest of the population. There were also alcohol bans, town curfews, lower wages and dispossession from traditional lands. -
The Federal Council for Advancement of Aborigines
The FCAA begins a ten year campaign to end the Federal Constitution's discrimination against indigenous peoples. -
The Right to Vote
Previously only those indigenous people entitled to vote in State elections AND had served in the armed forces could vote in Commonwealth elections. This was changed to recognise EVERY adult indigenous person's right to vote. -
Referendum
A referendum occurred and passed by majority, making the administration of indigenous affairs a federal government responsibility, rather than the previous ad hoc responsibility of each State and Territory. -
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Land rights activists established the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on land opposite the Old Parliament House in Canberra. -
White Australia Policy Abolished
The federal Labor Government abolishes the White Australia Policy, and establishes the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The Department is responsible for Aboriginal affairs policy, administration and progress. -
Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act
The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act is passed. This is the first attempt in the entire country to legally recognised the Aboriginal system of land ownership. -
Sacred Sites
The Northern Territory passes the Aboriginal Sacred Sites Bill, establishing a permanent authority for the protection of sacred sites. -
Establishment of the Aboriginal Development Commission
The ADC is established to promote the development, self-management and self-sufficiency of indigenous peoples. -
Uluru Returned to Traditional Owners
Uluru/Ayers Rock is handed back to the traditional owners and leased back to the government as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. -
First Performance of "Honey Spot"
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"Honey Spot" Published
"Honey Spot" by Jack Davis is formally published by Currency Press, Sydney. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission Established
ATSIC takes over from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal Development Commission, combining representative and executive roles through an organisation of regional councils and a national board elected by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. -
"Terra Nullius" Overturned
"Terra Nullius" - meaning land belonging to no one - is overturned by the High Court of Australia's decision in the Mabo land rights case. -
The Redfern Speech
Prime Minister Paul Keating delivers the "Redfern Speech" acknowledging the past injustices to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. -
The Native Title Act
The Native Title Act, recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' rights over their land and waters, according to their traditional laws and customs, is passed by the federal Parliament. -
Co-Existing Land Rights Recognised
The Wik people are successful in the High Court of Australia. The decision establishes that native title and pastoral leases can co-exist. -
Bringing Them Home
This report is published and reveals first hand stories of children take from their families during the assimilation policy period. -
Sorry Day
The first national "Sorry Day" is held to remember the Stolen Generations. The government, however, does not recognise that the Stolen Generations exist. -
Removal of Aboriginal Children Recognised
The Australian Government issues a statement of "deep and sincere regret" over the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their communities, but does not apologise. -
Close The Gap
The "Close the Gap" campaign for indigenous equality is developed. -
The Australian Government says "Sorry"
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologises to the Stolen Generations on behalf of the Australian Government. -
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Australia supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Previously, Australia was one of four nations opposed to the Declaration. -
"Recognise" Begins
"Recognise", Reconciliation Australia's campaign to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution, begins. -
Uluru Statement from the Heart
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is released to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Referendum Convention held near Uluru. The Turnbull Government rejects it and the "Recognise" campaign is disbanded after the federal government ceases to fund it. -
Treaty
Victoria becomes the first State in Australia to pass treaty legislation. -
Voice to Parliament Referendum
The referendum held in October 2023 to determine whether an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament would be recognised within the federal Constitution takes place. The referendum ultimately fails by a substantial majority, and is believed to have failed due to lack of bipartisan support within the government itself.