‘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 allocated to meet basic housing, water, health and education needs.
Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody is established in response to concerns expressed by Committee to Defend Black Rights and its Deaths in Custody Watch Committee about the proportion and number of Aboriginal people dying in gaols.
Commonwealth Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is established within Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, replacing Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs.
Fitzgerald Committee is established to advise on immigration policy.
National Policy on Languages is adopted, recognising the importance of English and languages other than English for all school students.
