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Australia Day
On 26 January, 150 years after European occupation, the Aboriginal Progressive Association declares a Day of Mourning. An Aboriginal Conference is held in Sydney and these are the first of many Aboriginal protests against inequality, injustice, dispossession of land and protectionist policies. -
World War II (1939 - 1945)
World War II begins. Although Aboriginal people are not recognized as citizens, two Aboriginal military units are established and some Aboriginal people serve in other sections of the armed forces. Aboriginal children continue to be removed from their families during the period 1939 to 1945, including children whose fathers are at war overseas. -
Aborigines Protection Board (1940 - 1963)
The Aborigines Protection Board was formed in 1940 as a result of the Aborigines Act Amendment Act 1934 - 1939. It replaced the office of the Chief Protector of Aborigines and the Advisory Council of Aborigines and took over the role of legal guardianship of all Aboriginal Children. In 1963, as result of the Aboriginal Affairs Act 1962, a new board known as the Aboriginal Affairs Board was created. -
Cummeragunja Walk-off
The first-ever mass strike of Aboriginal people in Australia occurs, called the Cummeragunja Walk-off. Over 150 Aboriginal people pack-up and leave Cummeragunja Aboriginal Station in protest at the cruel treatment and exploitation of residents by the management. They walk 66kms and cross the border from New South Wales into Victoria in contravention of the rules of the New South Wales Protection Board. -
Wave Hill Walk-off (1966 - 1975)
In August 1966, Vincent Lingiari - a Gurindji spokesman, led a walk-off of 200 Aboriginal stockmen, house servants, and their families from Wave Hill as a protest against the work and pay conditions. The strike was part of a widespread campaign begun by workers on Brunette Downs Station and supported by non-Indigenous people. The protesters camped at Wattie Creek and sought the return of some of their traditional lands to develop a cattle station. -
Removal of Aboriginal Children
All states had withdrawn the legislation allowing for the removal of Aboriginal children under the policy of ‘protection’. In the following years, Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agencies are set up to contest removal applications and provide alternatives to the removal of Indigenous children from their families. -
Racial Discrimination Act (RDA)
The Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) is a law passed by the Australian Parliament. The RDA makes it against the law to treat you unfairly because of your race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin or immigrant status. -
Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act
The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act was the first attempt by an Australian government to legally recognise the Aboriginal system of land ownership and put into law the concept of inalienable freehold title. The Land Rights Act is a fundamental piece of social reform. -
Voting Rights of Australian Aboriginies
Northern Territory elections are held and for the first time, voting is compulsory for Aboriginal people -
Bringing Them Home
The 'Bringing Them Home' report is a tribute to the strength and struggles of many thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by forcible removal. The inquiry was established by the federals Attorney-General and Michael Lavarch. It was written in response to efforts made by key Indigenous agencies and communities concerned that the general public's ignorance of the history of forcible removal was obstructing the recognition of the needs of its victims and their families.
