An absent negative: the 1967 referendum

This article argues that the absence of a campaign for a 'no' vote in the 1967 referendum was crucial not only to its outcome but, more importantly, to its conduct and subsequent commemoration. Not having to face an organised opposition, the campaign for a 'yes' vote remained superficial, and its proponents failed to publicly explain either how constitutional amendment could secure Aboriginal citizenship or what that citizenship might entail. For the same reason, the referendum has been memorialised in the misleading terms set down by the 'yes' campaigners as the moment when Aborigines 'got the rights'. This article has been peer-reviewed.

History Australia

History Australia: Journal of the Australian Historical Association 

5

1449-0854

N/A

2

9