fight for human rights

Aborigines Claim citizen rights

1938

On Australia day a meeting of aboriginal people was held in Sydney. This was the first time aboriginal people had made a portest.

Aborigines served in the army

1939

Heaps of Aborigines served in the armed forces and thousands moved into the town to work in the wartime industries,

white attitudes to aboriginals changed

1950

they were allowed to enrol for voting, drink in hotels and travel without restrictions

early 1960s

Period: 1960 to 1960

aboriginal adults received maternity benefits

demanding equal treatment

1965

A group of protesters led by Charles Perkins made a bus tour going through New South Wales. They were protesting about discrimination in shops, theaters, bars and clubs

land rights granted to the aboriginals

1974

A government commission suggested that the Aboriginals should get back the land where they have traditionally lived

land rights

1975

This Northern territory law only gave the indigenous some areas of largely useless land.

eddie mabo ends terra nullius

1992

The court agreed that terra nullius was wrong and racist

marched along the harbour bridge

2001

In may 250 000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour bridge. Marchers carried signs and banners.