Racial Hatred Act 1995 is passed, with aim of ensuring that people of all backgrounds can live free from racial vilification, intimidation and harassment.
National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families is established.
Going Home Conference, Darwin, brings together over 600 Aboriginal people removed as children to discuss common goals of access to archives, compensation, rights to land and social justice.
The Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, ATSIC and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner presented reports to the Commonwealth Government on how social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people could be achieved.
Indigenous Land Corporation is established to assist with land purchase, title transfer and the provision of financial and management advice using monies provided by the Land Fund.
Federal election results in new political party – ‘One Nation’ – with 1 member elected on platform of anti-immigration and anti-Aboriginal rights. Election leads to increased public debate on numbers and composition of migrant intake, benefits given to disadvantaged people, Aboriginal land rights and policies of multiculturalism. Debate also centres on whether Australia is a racist country and rights of people to express racist views.
Enterprising nation: Renewing Australia’s Managers to Meet the Challenges of the Asia-Pacific Century (Karpin report) is released.
