Australians Vote for Indigenous Rights Expansion

May 27th, 1967

May 27th, 1967

Australians Vote for Indigenous Rights Expansion
How Long Ago?

57 years, 9 months, 16 days ago

Location

Australia

Category

Social Movements & Civil Rights

People
  • Gough Whitlam
  • Dame Joan Sutherland
  • Charles Perkins
  • Faith Bandler
Links & References
Tags

Australians Vote for Indigenous Rights Expansion

In a landmark referendum, Australians overwhelmingly voted to amend the constitution, granting the federal government the authority to make laws affecting Indigenous Australians. The referendum sought to include Indigenous Australians in the national census, correcting their previous exclusion. With a remarkable 90.77% approval from voters, this decision marked a pivotal shift in the recognition of Indigenous rights in Australia, highlighting a growing awareness of social justice issues. It took place amidst a backdrop of the broader civil rights movements occurring globally during this era.

90.77% approval from Australian voters.

Removed Indigenous exclusion from the census.

Empowered federal laws for Indigenous welfare.

Significant step toward Indigenous rights recognition.

What Happened?

The 1967 referendum in Australia was a significant event in the long struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition. Prior to this referendum, Indigenous Australians were not counted as citizens in the national census and were subject to laws made by state governments, which often did not take into account their needs or rights. The push for change was fueled by the increasing activism among Aboriginal groups, burgeoning public consciousness regarding social justice, and the global civil rights movements influencing many countries during the 1960s. In this context, the 1967 referendum proposed two critical amendments to the Australian Constitution. The first amendment sought to remove Section 127, which stated that Indigenous Australians were to be excluded from the census, while the second aimed to give the federal government the power to legislate on Indigenous welfare. The referendum was supported by a broad coalition of political parties, civil rights groups, and the general public, reflecting a wide consensus for change. It was held on May 27, 1967, and resulted in an overwhelming majority of voters (90.77%) supporting the proposed amendments, signifying a pivotal moment in Australia's history.

Why Does it Matter?

The successful 1967 referendum is considered a watershed moment in Australia's journey toward acknowledging and addressing the injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. It laid the groundwork for future legal and policy changes aimed at improving the lives and rights of Indigenous peoples, underscoring the importance of inclusion and representation. This event is interesting not only for its immediate effects but also for how it stimulated ongoing dialogues about Indigenous rights and social justice in Australia, shaping the nation's policies and societal attitudes in subsequent decades.

Discover More Historic Events from May 27th

Natural Disasters

Severe Flooding in Ellicott City, Maryland

May 27th, 2018 6 years ago

A significant flood swept through the Patapsco Valley, resulting in one fatality and catastrophic damage to the first floors of buildings along Main Street in Ellicott City. The flooding caused vehicles to overturn and brought forth emergency response efforts. The intense rainfall leading to this flood overwhelmed local drainage systems, demonstrating the vulnerability of the area to extreme weather. Residents were evacuated as water levels rapidly rose, emphasizing the community's need for improved flood mitigation strategies.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Andrew Scheer becomes leader of Conservative Party

May 27th, 2017 7 years ago

Andrew Scheer was elected as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, succeeding Rona Ambrose. The election took place during a leadership race at the Toronto Congress Centre, where Scheer won over several candidates. His victory marked a significant moment for the Conservative party, transitioning from Ambrose's leadership after an interim period following the resignation of Stephen Harper.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Obama's Historic Visit to Hiroshima

May 27th, 2016 8 years ago

Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, paying tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing during World War II. During this visit, he participated in a ceremony to honor the deceased and met with Hibakusha, survivors of the bomb. His presence underscored a message of reconciliation and a commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Devastating Yogyakarta Earthquake Hits Central Java

May 27th, 2006 18 years ago

A significant earthquake measuring 6.4 Mw struck Yogyakarta, Indonesia, causing severe destruction and loss of life. The quake, occurring in the early hours, generated an MSK intensity of VIII, classified as damaging. In its aftermath, more than 5,700 people lost their lives, and around 37,000 were reported injured. The event drawn both local and international attention, prompting rescue and relief efforts to the region, thereby highlighting the vulnerability of densely populated areas to seismic activities.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Abu Sayyaf Group Takes Hostages in Palawan

May 27th, 2001 23 years ago

Members of the Abu Sayyaf group abducted twenty individuals from a luxurious island resort on Palawan, Philippines. The kidnapping occurred during a violent raid aimed at capturing wealthy tourists and locals. The ordeal lasted for over a year, with significant repercussions for Philippine security forces and regional tourism.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

First Shuttle Mission to Dock with ISS

May 27th, 1999 25 years ago

Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-96, marking the first shuttle mission to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). This mission aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of the shuttle during the process of docking and delivery of supplies and equipment needed for assembling the ISS. The crew included veteran astronaut Charles D. Gemar and mission specialist Julie A. Payette, who represented the Canadian Space Agency. The successful docking furthered international collaboration in space exploration.

Continue Reading