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British explorers and settlers arrived on the east coast of Australia
Could not find any signs of permanent residence or evidence of farming so they proclaimed Australia terra nullis (meaning 'nobodys land") -
Australia was frederated
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The 'assimiliation' policy was officially adopted
It was agreed to at the Aboriginal Welfare Conference of Commonwealth and state authorities. It stated that aboriginal people of mixed race were to be assimilated into white society even without their consent. -
Preassure now placed on Aboriginal elders
The government was encouraging them to relocate their families into more "civilised" areas.