Civil Rights In Australia Essay

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The 20th-century civil rights movement in Australia had a positive significant impact on indigenous rights. It showed awareness about the unfairness that Indigenous Australians face and it ultimately created a change in laws and people's mindset towards them. For centuries, Indigenous Australians faced discrimination, loss of land, slavery, segregation, and inequality. This all changed with the use of Indigenous activists and protests. They fought for equal rights, land rights and exposed the world to the harsh reality of segregation. These events are the 1962 referendum (the right to vote), the 1966 Wave Hill Walk-Off, and the 1967 Referendum. The 1962 right to vote was a significant milestone as it was a crucial step for indigenous rights …show more content…

Section 127 of the Commonwealth stated, “Aboriginal natives shall not be counted”, meaning they weren’t counted as part of the population. The lack of recognition and discrimination toward Indigenous people allowed people to induce cruel policies. Various individuals protested and campaigned for the recognition and inherent dignity by highlighting how Indigenous Australians should be treated as equals and no longer second-class citizens. In 1967, 91 percent of Australians voted ‘yes’ for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to be counted as part of the population. Gordon Bryant stated, “The vote is an overwhelming endorsement of the view that it is time for material action. The Government cannot hide behind constitutional inhibitions, nor can it hide behind faith in public apathy. This vote represents a great national demand for action.” This quote depicts how this referendum impacted indigenous rights. The 1967 referendum made a significant impact on indigenous rights as it challenged discrimination and acknowledged the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within the Australian community. The 20th-century civil rights movement in Australia played a predominant role in shaping Indigenous rights, challenging discrimination and segregation, and fostering recognition and

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