Petitions

Source: Bain Attwood and Andrew Markus, The Struggle for Aboriginal Rights: A Documentary History, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 1999, pp. 38–39

Source: Document 11, Bain Attwood and Andrew Markus, 'Thinking black: William Cooper and the Australian Aborigines' League', Aboriginal Studies Press, Canberra, 2004, pp. 35–36

Source: Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, MS 9377, State Library of Victoria

This was the first of many petitions which the Federal Council for Aboriginal Advancement ran to press for a referendum to get the federal government to accept responsibility in Aboriginal affairs.

Source: Barry Christophers Papers, MS 7992, box 16, National Library of Australia, Canberra

This form was circulated throughout the country during 1962–1963.

Source: Box 16, 'Petition referendum', Barry Christopher Papers, 1951–1981, MS7992/8, National Library of Australia

This petition is from representatives of Yirrkala clans concerning proposed mining of their traditional lands. This version of the Bark Petition contains a copy of the petition. The original petition is in storage to prevent the signatures from fading.

Source: Parliament House, Canberra. Images courtesy National Archives of Australia, Canberra

The Aboriginal weekly wage of three pounds three shillings and three pence a week — about one fifth of the wage paid to other workers.

Source: Barry Christophers Papers, 1951–1981, MS7992/8, National Library of Australia, Canberra

This petition was prepared by the Legislative Reform Committee of FCAATSI. It shows the hopes which this committee had for greater Commonwealth involvement in Aboriginal affairs.

Source: Barrie Pittock personal papers

Source: National Library of Australia, Frank Hardy Papers, 4887/73/6

Source: Pittock papers, Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies, Monash University

Written most likely in 1971 this petition draws attention to the failure of government to the power granted to it in 1967.

Source: Barrie Pittock personal papers

Following the passage of the 1967 Referendum campaigners urged the Commonwealth Government to use its powers against state legislation which was inconsistent with Commonwealth laws.

Source: Barry Christophers Papers, MS992/6, National Library of Australia