The Impacts of The Changing Governments Policies towards the Aboriginal People- Including a Source Based on Rabbit Proof Fence

Ever since British fleets first landed on Australia, the Aborigines were faced with a problem. The new settlers did not recognise them as owners of the land as they did not develop it, but had instead roamed amongst it. The Aborigines had faced discrimination, oppression and violence. After federation, however, their rights and freedoms began to change dramatically throughout the 20th Century. Through that period of time, the Australian government has created and implemented policies concerning the Indigenous population, decisions which had all been made for their own good. These policies have included Protection, Assimilation, Integration, Self-determination and finally, Reconciliation.

It is now clear that none of these policies have actually made the condition of Australia's Indigenous people any better than it was prior to the invasion.

Assimilation (1940s -1960s):

In order for Aboriginal peoples to be 'worthy' of full citizenship, they had to completely give up their traditional lifestyle and live and think as white people.

A 19th century engraving showing Australian "nativ...

Playing the traditional aboriginal musical instrum...

Noel Pearson

During the assimilation period some Aboriginal people, who were considered of worthy character, had an appropriate work ethic who were no longer associated with Aboriginal people,were granted exemption from laws that banned them from hotels and cafes, and from being in town after dark. Such people were granted an Exemption Certificate, or 'Dog Tag', through few Aboriginal people applied for them. The assimilation policy was intended to raise the standard of housing, health and education for Aboriginal people by allowing them to move into towns and cities, however it did not succeed. Aboriginal people experienced difficulty in finding work and housing due to discrimination, and some set up fringe camps on the outskirts of town.

Protection (1890s-1940s)

The policies of protection were brought in under the pretext of 'protecting' the Aboriginal population from violence and harassment. Numbers of Aboriginals had dwindled from an...