Essay Question: It is only since 1945 that any real progress has been made in advancing the rights and freedoms of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
The first real attempt to raise awareness of the lack of equality facing Indigenous Australians, was the Day of Mourning campaign of 1938. Indigenous activist and community members, walked a silent protest to the Australian Hall and this protest took place on Australia day. The Day of Mourning protest was aiming for the Indigenous Australians to have the same citizenship right as those who were white Australians.
The rights of Indigenous Australians were restricted by the Government policy of protection and assimilation. Colonial Authorities believed that a protection system was the best way to take care of the Indigenous Australians. As a result this meant setting up communities for Indigenous Australians to farm and live off. This did not work because the difference between the western culture and the Indigenous were far too different for them to adjust.
A 19th century engraving showing Australian "nativ...
Playing the traditional aboriginal musical instrum...
English: Title: Personal photographs of the Hon. C...The Aborigines Protection Act 1909 allowed the authorities to give protection, maintenance and education to the Indigenous Australians. The white authorities believed that they were protecting the Aboriginal children from the "bad influence" of their parents who were unable to look after their own children properly. The white authorities also believed they were superior to the Aboriginals. The Child Welfare Act gave parents the right to challenge the removal of their children. However it was ineffective for Indigenous Australians because the courts were not located in accessible locations for them and they often did not have access to the necessary legal resources and support.
In the 1960s, inspired by the Civil Rights movement in the US, Charles Perkins organised the Freedom Ride of 1965. The idea was to raise awareness of the lack of equality...