Committee on Overseas Professional Qualifications is established. Aboriginal delegation presents United Nations Secretary-General with a statement on conditions of Australian Aboriginal people. New South Wales
Commonwealth Government establishes Office of Aboriginal Affairs. Czech and Slovak refugees arrive in Australia following Warsaw Pact forces’ invasion of Czechoslovakia.
Constitutional Referendum on Aboriginal Rights is held. 90% of Australian population vote to eliminate sections 51 and 127 of the Constitution, giving the Commonwealth power to
Australia signs the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination. South Australia passes Aboriginal Lands Trust Bill and the Prohibition of Discrimination Bill, the
‘Freedom Ride’ by Aboriginal people and students is led by Charles Perkins into north-western New South Wales in support of Aboriginal rights. The ride demonstrates
Northern Territory Social Welfare Ordinance removes some discrimination against Aboriginal people. The Assimilation Section of the Department of Immigration changes its name to the Integration
Yirrkala Aboriginal people from Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, protest to the Commonwealth Government about part of their reserve land being given over for mining.
The Commonwealth Electoral Act is amended to give franchise to all Aboriginal people; that is, it extends the right to vote to Aboriginal people in
Conference of Native Welfare Ministers agrees to strategies to assist assimilation of Aboriginal people. These include the removal of discriminatory legislation and restrictive practices, the
Policy of integration rather than assimilation is promoted for migrants. As Australia becomes more diverse, it is seen that migrants need more help in settlement.
Immigration Reform Group is founded, advocating ending the White Australia Policy. Australian citizens are permitted to bring non-European spouses and unmarried minor children into Australia;
Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines is established. The title is changed in 1964 to Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres
Federal Council for Aboriginal Advancement is formed and National Aboriginal Day of Observance Committee (NAIDOC) is formed. Victorian Aborigines Welfare Board replaces the Board for
Permanent resident status is granted to non-Europeans who had fled to Australia during the second world war or had been long term residents (at least