Australian Constitutional Referendum of 1967 and its Implications
Background
Date: 27th May 1967
Subject: Removing discriminatory provisions against Aboriginal people in the Australian constitution.
Key Constitutional Sections
Section 51 (xxvi): Allowed laws to be made for any race except Aboriginal people.
Section 127: Excluded Aboriginal people from the census count.
Misconception: Deleting section 127 enabled voting rights; in reality, it ensured their inclusion in the census.
Historical Context
Racial Inequality: Australia was openly racist, as evidenced by statements from Edmund Barton, the first Prime Minister.
Protection Boards (1869): Established in Victoria, later across Australia, controlling Aboriginal lives, work, and wages.
Stolen Generations: Aboriginal children removed from families.
Assimilation Belief: Aboriginal people of mixed heritage were to be assimilated; "full-bloods" expected to die out.
Discriminatory Practices
Exclusion from Federal Vote: 1902 Franchise Act denied Aboriginal federal voting rights.
Other Exclusions: Pensions, maternity allowances, military enlistment, and services from public facilities.
Activism and Advocacy
Day of Mourning (1938): Anniversary of colonization, demanding equality and citizen status.
Key Figures & Movements:
Pearl Gibbs and Faith Bandler (1956): Formed Aboriginal-Australia Fellowship.
Jessie Street's Observation: Need for constitutional change via referendum supported by a petition.
Petition (1963): Over 100,000 signatures for constitutional change.
Path to the 1967 Referendum
Public Support: Grew after 1956 incident with Yarnangu people during British nuclear testing.
Voting Rights Achievements (1962-1965): Gained federal, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland voting rights.
Referendum Campaign:
Led by: Joe McGinness and Faith Bandler.
Result: 90.77% voted Yes, a historic support for Indigenous rights.
Current Issues
Ongoing Constitutional Discussions:
Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017): Called for a First Nations voice to parliament enshrined in the constitution, highlighting continuing debates on Indigenous constitutional recognition.