1960s By Jesse.Miller Period: Jan 1, 1960 to Dec 30, 1969 1960 May 31, 1962 Perth: Philip Magalnir becomes the first Australian Aborigine to vote under the new Commonwealth electoral laws granting voting rights to Aborigines Jan 31, 1965 London: Prime Minister Menzies declares that Australia is at war with Vietnam Feb 9, 1966 Australia changes over to decimal currency. Aug 31, 1966 Wave Hill: 200 hundred aborigines employed on the Wave Hill cattle station go on strike claiming a wage of $50 a week Sep 9, 1967 The Federal Government announces it will set up the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Dec 22, 1969 Portsea: Prime Minister Harold Holt disappears while swimming in heavy surf south of Melbourne. His body is never found