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Terra nullius
Terra nullius means "nobody's land". This doctrine has existed in the law of nations throughout the development of Western democracy. The fact that it is a Latin phrase gives us the clue that it is derived from Roman law – the concept that ownership by seizure of a thing no one owns is legitimate. -
1880
Thousands of objects from the Australian Museum’s ‘Ethnology Collections’ were placed on display in the Ethnographic Court at the Sydney International Exhibition, housed in the Garden Palace (Royal Botanic Gardens). -
1897
A wallaby trap woven from lawyer cane from Atherton, south-west of Cairns was acquired by the Museum. Basket traps such as this were made large enough for wallabies to enter but the trap narrows to prevent its escape. Basket traps such as this were used throughout Australia to catch birds, mammals and fish. The shape, size and materials of manufacture varied according each region’s flora and fauna. -
right to vote
The Commonwealth Electoral Act is amended to give franchise to all Aboriginal people; that is, it extends the right to vote to Aboriginal people in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. -
Referendum on Aboriginal Rights
Constitutional Referendum on Aboriginal Rights is held. 90% of Australian population vote to eliminate sections 51 and 127 of the Constitution, giving the Commonwealth power to legislate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to include them in the Census.
Migration agreement is concluded with Turkey. -
Native title Act
Native Title Act 1993 incorporates the principles of the Mabo judgement into law. -
Australia signs the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination.