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‘Come to Canberra Campaign’
Joint land councils from the Northern Territory and the States go to Parliament House, Canberra to protest against the proposed changes to the Aboriginal Land Rights Act of the Northern Territory and the inadequate provisions in Hawke’s visions of ‘Uniform National Land Rights’. -
Period: to
1900 - Present Day
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Australian Constitution
Australian Constitution comes into affect, it states that Aboriginal Australians will not be counted in any census. It also states that the Commonwealth would legislate for any race except Aborignials . Aborignials were also not allowed to vote, apply for pensions, work in post offices, enlist in armed forces and maternity allowance. -
Aboriginal People allowed to serve in War
Even though it conflicts with the Constitution, Aboriginals were allowed to participate during the events of WW1. Aboriginal soldiers were amongst Australian ones during Gallipoli. -
Conniston Massacre
In the Northern Territory, Europeans shoot 32 Abroiginal Australians after a European dingo trapper was attacked by them -
Assimilation Policy
"Aboriginal people of mixed descent are to be assimilated into white society whether they want to be or not, those not living tribally are to be educated and all others are to stay on reserves." Aboriginals are forced to be 'assimilated' meaning indulged in white culture and leave their old culture behind -
The Commonwealth Citizenship and Nationality Act
The Act for the first time counts all Australians, including Aboriginals, as Australian citizens but they still suffer legal discrimintation. -
Right to vote
Aboriginals are given the right to vote at federal elections provided they are allowed to enroll for state elections or have served in the armed forces. -
Aboriginal children assimilate into NSW schools
Aboriginal children assimilate into NSW local schools, if all other parents agree. This right of veto is removed in 1960. -
Fedral Council for the Advancment of Aboriginies
Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines is established. The title is changed in 1964 to Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. -
Intergration Policy Introduced
Intergration policy introduced supposedly to give Abroiginal people more control over their lives. The policy is an altered version of assimilation, Aboriginals are still requied to change their lifestyle but they are able to hold onto things such as culture -
Wave Hill Walk Off
Stockmen and women walk off Wave Hill cattle stationin protest against bad work conditions and inadequete pay. -
Commonwealth 1967 Referendum
More than 90% of people vote in support of allowing Aboriginals to be counted within the census. -
'Tent Embassy'
The ‘Aboriginal Tent Embassy’ is pitched outside Parliament House in Canberra, demonstrating for land rights. -
Racial Discrimination Act
Racial Discrimination Act is passed in the Federal Parliament. -
White Australia immigration policy ends
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Aboriginal Land Rights Act
Aboriginal Land Rights Act recognises dispossesssion and dislocation of NSW Aboriginal people, sets up local-regional-State land council network with land tax funding as compensation. -
Mabo
The High Court of Australia hands down its landmark decision in Mabo v Queensland. It decides that Native Title exists over particular kinds of lands - unalienated Crown Lands, national parks and reserves - and that Australia was never terra nullius or empty land. -
Native Title Act
The federal government passes the Native Title Act. This law allows Indigenous people to make land claims under certain situations. They cannot make claims on freehold land (privately-owned land). -
Sorry Day
The first Sorry Day is marked by hundreds of activities around the country. The Australian federal government does not take part in ‘Sorry Day’, saying people who removed Aboriginal children thought they were doing the right thing and people now should not have to say sorry for what people did in the past. -
Aboriginals win medals at Olympics (1996)
Aboriginal sprinter Cathy Freeman wins a silver medal in the 400 metres run at the Atlanta Olympics, USA, and Nova Peris-Kneebone becomes the first Aboriginal person to win a gold medal. -
Wik Decision
High Court reversed Justice Drummond’s judgement. The federal government develops ‘Ten Point Plan’ outlining a proposed legislative response to the High Court Wik decision, with the aim of limiting Aboriginal land rights. -
Corroboree 2000
(27th of May to 3rd of June) Corroboree 2000 is held at Sydney Opera House to mark 10 years of work on Reconciliation.