High Court decision on Native Title (‘Mabo’ decision) overturns the concept of terra nullius and establishes that native title can exist over particular kinds of land – unalienated Crown land, national parks and reserves.
The Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation is set up by the Commonwealth Government to foster better understanding between Indigenous people and the wider Australian community.
Prime Minister Keating launches Australian celebration of International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (1993), with a speech accepting responsibility for past mistreatment of Aboriginal people by non-Aboriginal Australians and calling for reconciliation. The speech becomes known as the ‘Redfern Park speech’.
Torres Strait Islander flag is flown for the first time on Thursday Island.
National youth anti-racism campaign of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Different Colours, One People, is launched.
