Mabo Decision Flashcards
Who was the prime minister when aboriginal land act was introduced in 1967
What did it mean for the aboriginal people
The Fraser government passed the aboriginal land rights act, which officially granted land title to the Gurindji people. This represented the beginning of indigenous rights movement.
What was the purpose of the tent embassy
In 1972 a tent was erected to keep the issue of aboriginal rights in the public eye because its slow movement.
The tent demanded legal rights to their land, preservation of sacred sites and compensation for lands not returnable. These were rejected and the embassy was demolished and re-erected over 5 years. Until Fraser passed the aboriginal land rights act.
Eddie Mabo
Eddie Mabo was a Torres Strait islander born in mer island. He made a speech on the ownership of Mer Island, he took this to the court and a 10 year legal battle began. The legal battle took a toll on his health and he died of cancer 1992. The high court ruled in favour of Mabo five months later.
