Commonwealth Government releases the National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia with the three principles of cultural identity, social justice and economic efficiency. Federal Government’s Access and Equity Strategy is extended to include Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people and all those of non-English
National Inquiry into Racist Violence is announced by Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in response to widespread concern that racist attacks are increasing. Tens of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their supporters march through the streets
‘Goondiwindi riot’ results in the first public inquiry for the new HREOC – the Toomelah Inquiry which investigates the wider causes of racial conflict in New South Wales and Queensland border towns of Toomelah, Boggabilla and Goondiwindi. Significant resources are
Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) is established. It replaces the former Human Rights Commission and has a primary role in implementing Australia’s international human rights obligations. The ‘Goondiwindi riot’ between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents of Goondiwindi on
Commonwealth Government returns Uluru Kataatjuta National Park (including Ayer’s Rock) to its traditional Aboriginal owners. Federal Government announces Access and Equity Strategy to ensure that immigrants have equitable access to government services. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser chairs Commonwealth Eminent
‘Immigration debate’ occurs in response to community concern about high levels of immigration in the context of high unemployment. Professor Geoffrey Blainey, historian and academic, is critical of the Government’s immigration program, in particular numbers of migrants from Asia. Public
Labor Government reconfirms non-discriminatory migration policies. Migration Act is amended to replace term ‘alien’ with ‘non-citizen’ and end favoured treatment of immigrants who are British subjects. Migrant intake is reduced by 1.5% compared to previous year. Aboriginal Child Placement Principle
New immigration scheme emphasising family reunion and needed occupational skills begins. In the lead up to and during the Commonwealth games in Brisbane, large protests take place in response to the Queensland Government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protection Act.
Commonwealth Human Rights Commission is established. It is replaced in 1986 by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. National Aboriginal Conference hosts an Australian meeting of the World Council of Indigenous People. South Australian Pitjantjajara Land Rights Act is passed, the first such State
National Federation of Land Councils is formed. Dispute at Noonkanbah, Western Australia, over drilling on sacred sites draws national and international attention to Aboriginal rights. Link Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation is established to provide family tracing, reunion and support for