The Yolngu Bark Petition

Question 1

Bark Petition

Answer 1

• On 13 March 1963 the Australian government took more than 300 square kilometers of land from the Yolngu people in Arnhem Land so mining company Gominco could extract bauxite
• July 1963, Yolngu leader complained to government leaders
• In August 1963 the Yolngu people sent petitions to the Commonwealth Parliament
• Politicians presented the two petitions to the House of Representatives on 14 and 28 August 1963 (both failed)
• Gove Land Rights Case began in 1968 (petition failed)

Question 2

Achievements

Answer 2

• Wider awareness of the just claim of the Yolngu and of the problems of Aboriginal people throughout Australia
• Inspired a national protest
• Petitions also set off a debate that led to the Land Rights Act in 1976

Question 3

Impacts

Answer 3

• In 1992 to the High Court’s Mabo decision overturning the ‘terra nullius’ concept and recognizing Aboriginal occupation of Australia before European settlement
• Pave the way for the 1967 referendum
• Petitions became the first traditional native title documents recognized by the Australian government

Question 4

Limitations to success

Answer 4

• Australian law did not recognize Aboriginal rights straight away
• The petition did not serve its original purpose
• The petitions were not passed