Race Relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People 1970s

The 1970s was a crucial part in the change in rights and freedoms of Aboriginal people. Much of the change was a result of Whitlam’s introduction of multiculturalism. Throughout the decade, awareness about the issue was raised among the public.

On the 26^th of January 1972, a group of four Aborigines established the Aboriginal Tent Embassy outside Old Parliament House as a response to the McMahon government earlier that day refusing to recognise the land rights of Aboriginal people. The establishment was an important step to improving Aboriginal rights as it raised awareness as well as showing the government that they would take action to gain land rights and compensation.

While Whitlam was in government he helped show his support for the Aboriginal people through the abolition of the White Australia Policy in 1973 as well as the legislation of the Racial Discrimination Act in 1975. The Racial Discrimination Act was Australia's first piece of human rights legislation and was part of the recognition of the multicultural society that Gough Whitlam wanted to create. It meant that no restrictions could be made based on race, colour, descent or nationality. The Act was milestone for promoting equality for Indigenous people.

The abolition of the White Australia Policy led to the taking away of Indigenous children to be wrong. As a result of the abolition, of the White Australia policy, Whitlam introduced the policy of self-determination, which meant that they had more say in issues that affected them. It also resulted in the end of the assimilation policy.

In 1975, after their protest begun in 1966, the Gurindji people residing at Wave Hill were officially given their land rights back to them by the Whitlam government. Subsequently, the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976 (Northern Territory) was passed as well as relying on the fact that Justice Woodward, chairman of the Aboriginal Land Rights Commission (aka The Woodward Royal Commission), had recommended the changes. This legislation helped eventually convince the other states to look into similar legislation to enforce.