Children overboard
HMAS Adelaide encounters a sinking boat carrying asylum seekers off the north coast of Australia. The Federal Government reports that passengers have thrown children overboard and issues photos to support the claim.
2000-2009
September 11 attacks
Al-Qaida terrorists attack the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington. The United States of America declares a “war on terrorism” and Australia offers support. After September 11, attacks against Muslims and mosques are reported in
World Conference Against Racism
The United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance is held in Durban, South Africa. The conference marks both the International Year and the Third Decade for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Australia sends a delegation. The Human
People smuggling
Asylum seekers en route to Australia from Indonesia are rescued off Christmas Island by the Norwegian ship MV Tampa. The Federal Government refuses to allow the asylum seekers to disembark in Australia sparking national and international debate. As a result,
Carol Martin wins seat of Kimberley, WA
Carol Martin wins seat of Kimberley, WA. She is the first Indigenous woman to be elected to any Parliament in Australia.
Centenary of Federation
Australia celebrates its centenary of Federation. At the Federation ceremony, Prime Minister Howard pays tribute to the nation’s history of democracy and freedom and the Governor-General Sir William Deane raises the issue of Aboriginal Reconciliation.
Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation to be replaced by Reconciliation Australia
The Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation ceases to operate by the end of 2000. It is to be replaced by a new national body, Reconciliation Australia, in 2001.
Sydney Olympics | Aboriginal Tent Embassy
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are held in Sydney. Competitors from diverse backgrounds make up the Australian team. The media reports an atmosphere of increased unity and goodwill. An Aboriginal Tent Embassy is set up in Sydney during the Olympic
Council for Multicultural Australia established
The Council for Multicultural Australia is established. Its aim is to assist the implementation of the Federal Government’s multicultural policy statement, A New Agenda for Multicultural Australia.