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Exclusion of aboriginal rights from the newly formed country
Commonwealth of Australia formed. Indigenous Australians are excluded from the census and lawmaking powers of the Commonwealth Parliament. -
White Australia Policy
In the White Australia Policy: Indigenous people are excluded from the vote, pensions, employment in post offices, enlistment in Armed Forces and maternity allowance. -
Day of Mourning
Day of Mourning is held by the Aborigines League (est 1932) and the Aborigines Progressive Association (1937). It is the first major protest by Indigenous people. The manifesto "Aborigines Claim Citizen Rights" and the newspaper "Abo Call" are published. -
Aboriginals gain the right to vote
All Indigenous people are given the vote in Commonwealth elections. -
1967 Referendum-vote for aboriginal rights
In the 1967 Referendum, 90.7% of Australians vote YES to count Indigenous Australians in the census and to give the Commonwealth Government the power to make laws for them. -
Abolishment of White policy and the establishment of self-determination policy
Whitlam Government is elected. They abolish White Australia policy and establish the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. They launch the self-determination policy for Indigenous people. -
Tent Embassy
Tent Embassy is built outside the Parliament House. It adopts the Indigenous flag. -
National Aborigines Week established
Aboriginal Day is extended to National Aborigines Week. -
Racial Discrimination Act 1975
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) is passed. -
Title back to Gurindji people
PM Whitlam hands back title to Gurindji people. -
Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976
Aboriginal Land Rights Act is introduced. -
Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983
Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) recognises dispossession and displacement. -
Uluru handed back
Uluru is handed back to traditional owners. -
Mabo decision
Mabo decision by the High Court overturns terra nullius and rules that native title exists over unalienated Crown land, national parks and reserves. -
Native Title Act 1993
Native Title Act is passed by the Australian Parliament. It aims to provide a national system for the recognition and protection of native title. -
Commitment to Reconciliation
Commonwealth Parliament makes statement of commitment to Reconciliation. -
New government elected
Howard Government is elected. -
Pauline Hanson saying against aboriginal special treatment
Pauline Hanson and her Native Party campaign speaks against what they say is "special treatment" for Aboriginal people in her maiden speech. -
Wik decision
The High Court rules in the Wik decision that native title and pastoral leases can co-exist. -
Bringing Them Home Report
Bringing Them Home, the report of the inquiry into the Stolen Generations, is released. It recommends a national sorry day to commemorate the history and effects of removing children from their families. -
PM Howard's personal apology
PM Howard makes a personal apology to the Stolen Generations, but refusees to make an official apology on behalf of Australia. -
Anger of PM's refusal to state national apology
At the National Reconciliation Conference on 27th May, hundreds of people turn their backs on Howard during his speech, in protest at his refusal to apologise to the Stolen Generations. -
Sea of Hands
"Sea of Hands" are settled outside the Parliament House in Canberra in support of reconciliation and the Wik decision. -
Native Title Amendment Act 1998
Native Title Amendment Act 1998 is passed; seen by many to reduce native title rights for Indigenous people. -
First Sorry Day
The first sorry day is held. Over 1 million signatures are collected in Sorry Books. -
PM Kevin Rudd saying sorry
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says "sorry" to the Stolen Generations. -
Plans to recognise Indigenous Australian in the Constitution
Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces plans to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution.
