10.9 Humanities Reading

Australia's Aboriginal Rights Leaders in the 1960s

Historical Context

• The Aboriginal rights movement evolved from the Day of Mourning protests in the 1930s.

• The success of the U.S. civil rights movement inspired advocacy for Aboriginal equality among many non-Indigenous Australians.

Living Conditions and Legislative Changes

• By the 1960s, Indigenous Australians had a life expectancy nearly 20 years less than non-Indigenous Australians.

• 1959: Government agreed to welfare payments for Aborigines under the Social Services Act; however, payments were made to third parties.

• 1962: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders received the right to vote in federal elections.

• 1968: Equal pay was achieved, yet it led to job losses for some Aboriginal workers who were previously paid less than half the minimum wage.

Ongoing Racism

• Despite legislative advancements, racist attitudes towards Aborigines persisted in Australian society.

• Individual efforts contributed to momentum for real change.

Significant Events

The Wave Hill Walk-off (23 August 1966)

• A pivotal moment in Indigenous rights movement initiated by Gurindji workers protesting against low wages ($25/week from British Vestey Company).

• The protest highlighted entrenched discrimination and drew attention to land rights, which became central to future claims.

• Led by Vincent Lingiari who sought the return of traditional lands.

• A petition was submitted to the governor-general in 1967, but their claim was refused.

• 1975: Prime Minister Gough Whitlam symbolically returned land to Gurindji people, marking a significant milestone for Indigenous rights.

• The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 established some land titles for Aboriginal groups, recognizing their connection to the land.

• The Wave Hill struggle became part of Australian culture, inspiring songs like 'The Gurindji Blues' and 'From Little Things Big Things Grow'.

The Australian Freedom Riders (1965)

• Modeled on the U.S. Freedom Riders, led by Charles Perkins to raise awareness of racial segregation in Australia.

• The tour aimed to confront racism in regional New South Wales, highlighting issues like Aboriginal exclusion from the RSL Club and public swimming pools at Walgett and Moree.

• Media attention from the Freedom Rides helped to expose discrimination to urban Australians, building support for future changes, including the upcoming 1967 referendum.

The 1967 Referendum

• Following rejections of land rights claims in the Northern Territory, Prime Minister Harold Holt initiated a referendum to count Aborigines in the census and allow federal legislation for Aboriginal affairs.

• Over 90% of Australians voted 'Yes', marking a significant political moment despite some geographic opposition.

• The referendum did not grant new voting rights, as Aboriginal Australians had already received that right in 1962.

• Many Indigenous leaders today question the long-term impact of the referendum on changing societal attitudes towards Aboriginal peoples, especially concerning consultation in legislative matters.