1967 Referendum Flashcards
In 1967, what area were Indigenous Australians treated differently from every member of the Australian population?
They were not counted in the national census (an official count of population)
What is the census used for?
to count citizens and extract important demographic info such as their age and gender and where they live. This info can then be used to make plans for community services such as schools, health care and housing.
What was the only way to change the Australian constitution?
hold a referendum - a ballot in which people decide on an important political issue
What result is required for a referendum proposal to be successful?
a majority of voters must say ‘yes’, also the majority of yes votes must occur in a majority of state (atleast 4)
When was the referendum?
27 May 1967
What two proposals were put in the referendum?
- Abroginal people should be counted in census
- should be placed under Commonwealth, not state governments, so that laws affecting them could be implemented consistenly and fairly across Aus.
WHat was the result of the referendum?
Both proposals received overwhelming bipartisan (support by 2 major political parties) support, with 90.7% votes in favour.
The highest yes vote ever recorded in a referendum in Australia.
In what ways was the Australian Constitution amended as a result of the 1967 referendum? Why was this important?
Allowed Aborigines to be counted in census.
This allows areas where they live to have community services such as school, housing, health care to be funded by government.
Who had control over most Aboriginal people’s lives and rights - state or commonwealth government?
state government
Did aboriginal people have equal rights to other Australians?
No they did not. Many states not give rights to them
What are the dis/advantages of state gov?
Advantage- could make changes, had control over more rights so could make it equal
Disadvantage- some states don’t give them equal rights, unfair
What are dis/advantage of commonwealth gov?
Advantage- more equal, complies to every Aborigine across Aus
Disadvantage- not much rights controlled, cant change state gov rights.
What reasons do you think prompted some AUstralian’s to vote no to the referendum questions?
Stuck in past, believe there were inferior (lower in rank), not smart, white better, not worth counting in census, afraid aborigine will get more right/power over them.
