The Australian Referendum of 1967

On May 27, 1967, a landmark referendum was held in Australia, resulting in an overwhelming majority of over 90% of voters supporting significant changes to the Australian Constitution concerning Aboriginal Australians. This referendum is considered a pivotal moment in Australian history, marking a step towards equality and recognition for Indigenous Australians.

Background

Prior to the referendum, Aboriginal Australians faced systemic discrimination and were not counted in the national census. The Australian Constitution, drafted in 1901, included provisions that effectively excluded Aboriginal people from being counted in the population and allowed the states to make laws for Aboriginal people, rather than the federal government.

Two sections of the Constitution were particularly contentious:

1. Section 51(xxvi) - Known as the “races power,” it allowed the federal government to make laws for any race except Aboriginal people.
2. Section 127 - Explicitly excluded Aboriginal people from being counted in the census.

The Referendum

The 1967 referendum proposed two amendments to the Constitution:

1. Repeal of Section 127 - This would allow Aboriginal Australians to be counted in the national census.
2. Amendment of Section 51(xxvi) - This would enable the federal government to make laws for Aboriginal people, thus providing a national approach to Indigenous affairs.

The campaign for the referendum was supported by a broad coalition of groups, including Indigenous organizations, churches, unions, and political parties. The referendum was not about granting the right to vote, which had been progressively extended to Aboriginal Australians in the years prior, but about ensuring they were recognized and included in the national legislative framework.

Outcome

The referendum was a resounding success, with approximately 90.77% of voters supporting the changes. This was the highest ‘Yes’ vote ever recorded in a federal referendum in Australia. The results demonstrated a significant shift in public opinion and a growing awareness of the injustices faced by Aboriginal Australians.

Significance

The 1967 referendum did not grant immediate rights or benefits to Aboriginal Australians, but it was a crucial step towards equality. It symbolized a commitment by the Australian people to address the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and laid the groundwork for future reforms.

The changes allowed the federal government to take a more active role in Indigenous affairs, leading to subsequent policies and initiatives aimed at improving the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal Australians. It also paved the way for greater advocacy and activism by Indigenous Australians in the pursuit of land rights and self-determination.

Aftermath

In the years following the referendum, there was increased momentum for Indigenous rights, leading to significant developments such as the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972 and the landmark Mabo decision in 1992, which recognized native title in Australia.

The 1967 referendum remains a significant milestone in Australia’s journey towards reconciliation and is commemorated as a moment when Australians overwhelmingly voted for change and justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.