-
He was an activist in the 1967 Referendum.
-
Launched by William Ferguson
-
Held at Australian Hall. Restricted to Aboriginal People only
-
It had growing support in both sections of society
-
Included Aboriginal people to be included as part of Australia's population
-
He wasn't allowed to visit his father in Mer. They said Eddie was a non-Islander, because he hadn't lived there for so long. They thought he was too political and would stir up trouble.” – Gail Mabo, Eddie Mabo’s daughter
-
It was regarded with open hostility within the community. The State Minister for Education denounced the motives of the student’s parents stating their attitudes as racist and the school as ‘apartheid in reverse.’
-
Eddie gave a speech about the land ownership that his community followed on Mer Island. A case was put up to claim land rights.
-
The case became known as the 'Mabo Case'
-
Unfortunately, Eddie Koiki Mabo did not live to see his aim and passion come to life
-
The High Court decided in favour of Eddie Koiki Mabo and his plaintiffs. They introduced the policy of 'native title' into the Australian Law. The Court held that 'native title' was for all Indigenous people in Australia. The Court held that these rights will be under the protection of the Australian Law until they are legally extinguished.
-
It opened the way for further claims of traditional rights to land and compensation.