What is the significance of the 1967 referendum

It also meant that the states could create their own policies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The states enacted Aboriginal Protection Acts which gave them the legal right to remove children from their families. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always protested and fought against these injustices. There was no single moment that sparked the Referendum, more a growing swell of support for change led by a range of people and organisations. In the late s, changes in other countries toward equality and civil rights focused public attention on the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Protest events were getting more media attention as well. The Warburton Ranges controversy in , the Yirrkala Bark Petitions in , the Freedom Ride and the Wave Hill walk-off that began in , are some that drove these issues into the international spotlight. On 27 May , Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them.

Sadly this hasn't been the case. The government at the time didn't expect a 'Yes' vote and, two months after the referendum, still had no idea how to use the new powers it had been given. The next government with PM John Gorton was disinterested and not motivated to take action, and it seems this attitude still lingers today. Governments of all political colours continue to 'forget' to consult with Aboriginal people during law-making business.

While the referendum helped delete discriminatory references specific to Aboriginal people, it put nothing in their place. Torres Strait Islanders , who have a culture very different to mainland Aboriginal people, have never been referred to in the constitution. This constitutional silence is what drives many initiatives calling for constitutional recognition.

That referendum also did not address clauses in the constitution that permit racial discrimination generally. Aboriginal people are often on the receiving end of discrimination and like to see these clauses removed. Australia is now the only democratic nation in the world that has a constitution with clauses that still authorise discrimination on the basis of race.

For example, in the High Court had to decide on a case which addressed the changed sections of the Constitution. Despite the changes, the government was allowed to pass a law that was detrimental to, and discriminatory against, Aboriginal people. As Aboriginal people realised that the promises of the constitutional change were not going to be met, they started to organise and to protest: The Tent Embassy was established and the modern land rights movement was born.

But these are other stories. Although the referendum has failed politically, historically is was, and remains, a triumph of the human spirit that continues to inspire generations of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike.

It is one of the glowing coals that keep the fires burning. The ABC maintains a mini-site with a lot of in-depth information about the referendum. More and more Australians inoculate themselves against ignorance and stereotypes by finally reading up on Aboriginal history and the culture's contemporary issues. But to truly move forward we need to achieve "herd information".

It will definitely be really helpful in me getting to know, understand, honour and relate with Aboriginal people better. This site uses cookies to personalise your experience. If you continue using the site, you indicate that you are happy to receive cookies from this website.

Please note that this website might show images and names of First Peoples who have passed. Close this Wishing you knew more about Aboriginal culture? Search no more. Get key foundational knowledge about Aboriginal culture in a fun and engaging way. Stop feeling bad about not knowing. Make it fun to know better. What the referendum was about 1. The referendum proposed to include Aboriginal people in the census.

Historical events that influenced the referendum Test explosions of atomic bombs at Maralinga, South Australia The Commonwealth Electoral Act is amended to give the right to vote to all Aboriginal people. Fact The Constitution of Australia never has, and to-date still does not, protect basic human rights or offer protection against racial discrimination. Fact Australia is now the only democratic nation in the world that has a constitution with clauses that still authorise discrimination on the basis of race.

Section 51 xxvi The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to The people of any race, other than the aboriginal people in any State, for whom it is necessary to make special laws. Section In reckoning the numbers of the people of the Commonwealth, or of a State or other part of the Commonwealth, aboriginal natives should not be counted.

According to political historian, Scott Bennett, these sections were originally included in the Constitution because of the widely held beliefs that:. In , a Tasmanian Member of Parliament dismissed the need to include Indigenous people in a national census on the basis that:.

Following the Referendum, the words "…other than the aboriginal people in any State…" in section 51 xxvi and the whole of section were removed, allowing for Indigenous people to be included in the census, and giving federal Parliament the power to make laws in relation to Indigenous people. Prior to the Referendum, making laws for Indigenous people was the responsibility of the states, and laws varied greatly from state to state.

Advocates for the Referendum believed that if federal parliament was granted the power to legislate for Indigenous people, it would act in their best interests, leading to better conditions for Indigenous people. Narrator: To get the government to even hold that referendum, campaigners set out to signatures on a petition.

They set up tables in the streets of all capital cities and country towns, and even waited outside the gates of footy matches and churches. Eventually, they collected signatures. Black and white footage of 2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men discussing a ballot and then placing it in the ballot box.

Black and white footage of people lining up to receive their ballot paper and placing their ballots in the ballot box. Narrator: On May 27 , Australians went to the polls. In the end, 90 per cent voted yes to changing the Constitution. Text: Constitution Section In reckoning the numbers of the people of the Commonwealth, or of a State or other part of the Commonwealth, [in red] aboriginal natives shall not be counted.

The people of any race, [in red] other than the aboriginal race in any State, [in black] for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws.

A montage of footage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders celebrating successful land right claims. Narrator: That last one later paved the way for things like the Land Rights Act, which has given many Indigenous Aussies traditional ownership of their land again. Some marches are led by Aboriginal dancers in traditional dress. Narrator: Fifty years on, there are still problems that need to be solved. Black and white footage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and white Australians clapping and celebrating by holding up drinking glasses.

History of Parliament Federation History milestones. Want to know more? Federal Parliament history timeline Parliamentary Education Office.