-
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.
-
All Indigenous people are given the vote in Commonwealth elections.
-
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 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. -
1975 (Cth), (RDA) is a statute passed by the Australian Parliament during the Prime Ministership of Gough Whitlam.
-
Whitlam hands back title to Gurindji people.
-
-
Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) recognizes dispossession and displacement.
-
Uluru handed back to traditional owners.
-
Mabo decision by the High Court overturns terra nullius and rules that native title exists over unalienated Crown land, national parks and reserves.
-
The Native Title Bill is passed by the Senate.
-
-
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.
-
This Act is passed; seen by many to reduce native title rights for Indigenous people.
-
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says 'Sorry' to the Stolen Generations.
-
Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces plans to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution.