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Commonwealth of Australia formed
Day of Mourning 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. -
Given the vote
All Indigenous people are given the vote in Commonwealth elections. -
Referendum held
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. -
Tent Embassy
Tent Embassy established outside Parliament House. It adopts the Indigenous flag.
Whitlam Government elected; White Australia policy abolished. Department of Aboriginal Affairs established. Self-determination adopted as policy for Indigenous people. -
Racial Discrimination Act
1975 (Cth), (RDA) is a statute passed by the Australian Parliament during the Prime Ministership of Gough Whitlam. -
Land handed back
Whitlam hands back title to Gurindji people. -
Aboriginal Land Rights (NT)
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Land Right Act recognised
Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) recognizes dispossession and displacement. -
Uluru handed back
Uluru 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
The Native Title Bill is passed by the Senate. -
Howard Government elected
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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. -
Native Title Amendment Act
This Act is passed; seen by many to reduce native title rights for Indigenous people. -
Apology Speech
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says 'Sorry' to the Stolen Generations. -
Indigenous Australians in the Constitution
Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces plans to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution.