The 1967 Referendum
The 1967 Referendum
1. Definition
What was the 1967 Referendum about? What were the changes to the Constitution that were proposed?
The 1967 Referendum was certainly a milestone in Australia’s history. It was a public vote to determine Australia’s opinion on altering the Constitution in regards to Indigenous Australians. It was a vote proposing to include Aboriginal people in the census and to allow the Commonwealth Government to create laws for them. Fortunately, on 27 May 1967, an overwhelming 90.77% recorded the largest ever “yes” in the referendum to allow the 2 amendments in the constitution take place.
2. Will
3. Historical Significance of the 1967 Referendum
Immediately after the gratifying results of the referendum, those who had worked hard for the amendment of the Constitution pressed for practical change as well. Within a year, more money was gradually allocated to Aboriginal Affairs and the Council for Aboriginal Affairs was set up. This gave Aboriginals a significant morale boost as well as taking up stronger positions in their struggle for rights. In addition, the long term effect of this 1967 referendum was that it worked to advance the Aboriginals and stimulated a change of attitude and mindset in Australians. Aboriginals could finally say with dignity that “I am who I am
However, it was not until 1972 that the benefits of the referendum were felt by Indigenous Australians. In January of 1972 the erection of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on the lawns of federal parliament drew attention to the lack of progress on land rights and racial discrimination issues that included the existing lack of equal pay for Aboriginals in employment. These demands became a political issue, and almost immediately after the federal election later in that year, and a consequent change in government for the first time in 23 years, the move for reforms began in earnest.
1. Definition
What was the 1967 Referendum about? What were the changes to the Constitution that were proposed?
The 1967 Referendum was certainly a milestone in Australia’s history. It was a public vote to determine Australia’s opinion on altering the Constitution in regards to Indigenous Australians. It was a vote proposing to include Aboriginal people in the census and to allow the Commonwealth Government to create laws for them. Fortunately, on 27 May 1967, an overwhelming 90.77% recorded the largest ever “yes” in the referendum to allow the 2 amendments in the constitution take place.
2. Will
3. Historical Significance of the 1967 Referendum
Immediately after the gratifying results of the referendum, those who had worked hard for the amendment of the Constitution pressed for practical change as well. Within a year, more money was gradually allocated to Aboriginal Affairs and the Council for Aboriginal Affairs was set up. This gave Aboriginals a significant morale boost as well as taking up stronger positions in their struggle for rights. In addition, the long term effect of this 1967 referendum was that it worked to advance the Aboriginals and stimulated a change of attitude and mindset in Australians. Aboriginals could finally say with dignity that “I am who I am
However, it was not until 1972 that the benefits of the referendum were felt by Indigenous Australians. In January of 1972 the erection of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on the lawns of federal parliament drew attention to the lack of progress on land rights and racial discrimination issues that included the existing lack of equal pay for Aboriginals in employment. These demands became a political issue, and almost immediately after the federal election later in that year, and a consequent change in government for the first time in 23 years, the move for reforms began in earnest.