"Right wrongs, write Yes": what was the 1967 referendum all about?

[Extract] On May 27, 1967, campaigners for Aboriginal rights and status won the most-decisive referendum victory in Australian history. The referendum attracted more than 90% of voters in favour of deleting the two references to Aborigines in Australia’s Constitution. Campaigners for a “Yes” vote successfully argued those references were discriminatory and debarred Aboriginal people from citizenship. Ever since, and as we approach the 1967 referendum’s 50th anniversary, it has been popularly remembered as the moment when Aboriginal people won equal rights – even the right to vote. In fact, the referendum did not secure those outcomes.

The Conversation

The Conversation

26 May 2017

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