A proposal to change Section 18C and Section 18D of the Racial Discrimination Act incites much debate in the community. Summary: Racial vilification under sections 18C and 18D of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and The Australian Human Rights Commission
Australian of the Year and AFL legend, Adam Goodes urges Australians to take a stand against racism and speak out when they hear racist comments. He features in a Community Service Announcement developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Adam
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship announces that bridging visas may also apply to families who arrive by boat and seek asylum. Some families may be released into the community on bridging visas but will remain subject to regional processing
Australia’s population reaches 23 million and is growing by an estimated 1000 people every day. Australia’s population is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse populations in the world. Australians have over 200 birthplaces and speak over 200 languages.
Amendments to South Australia’s Constitution include a statement of acknowledgement and respect which records the Apology to the Stolen Generation given in Parliament in 1997, acknowledges and respects Aboriginal peoples as the State’s first peoples and nations, recognises Aboriginal peoples
Adam Giles is sworn in as Chief Minister of the Northern Territory on 14 March, becoming the first Indigenous head of government of an Australian state or territory.
WA politician Ernie Bridge, first Indigenous Australian to serve in an Australian Government Cabinet, dies. Mr Bridge was a descendant of First Fleet convict Matthew James Everingham.
With support from across Parliament the House of Representatives passes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition (in the Australian Constitution) Bill 2012. The Bill includes a statement of recognition of the unique and special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) commences the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health survey which will improve knowledge of the health issues affecting this group of Australians.
In November the Australian Government recommences transferring asylum seekers to Manus Island in Papua New Guinea (PNG). These transferees’ claims for protection will be processed under the laws of Papua New Guinea.