M1 - Learner Manual

1.5. The 1960’s and 1970’s

The Federal Government was silent on what were State definitions of Aboriginality right through to 1960’s. Although some policy changes were made, and there was a slight easing of the restrictions of movement and employment of Aboriginal people, lives were still regimented to rules of the States. In the late 1960’s and 1970’s Aboriginal voices fought for recognition in a more political way than those of leaders of the 1930’s and 1940’s; however, the message was the same – Land Rights are Aboriginal Rights which are central to their identity.

The mistreatment of Aboriginal people was documented in early accounts of colonial contact. This mistreatment was due to the attitudes brought from 18^th century Britain.