40th Anniversary 1967 Referendum: DVD
DISCLAIMER:
This exhibition may contain words, descriptions or images (including images of people who are now deceased) that may cause distress to some viewers.
Archival footage supplied by ABC Library Sales. Copyright of archival material remains the property of the ABC.
DVD storyboard
The following is a storyboard of the contents of the video. The text follows the image.
Forty years ago the first large scale reconciliation movement in Australia took place.
It was the 1967 referendum vote.
There was a tremendous amount of confusion in the minds of the public as to how they were to vote on referendum day.
In the late 1950's and early 1960's the general population's concern for human rights issues, especially racial discrimination and Aboriginal affairs had increased.
Gordon Bryant was the Labour member for the Victorian seat of Wills. He was to become one of the most influential white activists in the 10 year push for the referendum.
Australia recorded a yes vote of nearly 91 per cent. It's all the more significant when you recall that all referendums since Federation, 29 proposals have been rejected, only five have been accepted.
Before the 1967 referendum Indigenous people had no rights. Now Indigenous people have so many things supporting them.
The 1967 Referendum paved the way I believe for Human Rights all across Australia.
It's [the referendum] given Indigenous people a foot to stand on. It's given them the chance to have pride in their culture. It's given them a voice.
I think there are Indigenous young people out there that are concerned about social justice issues and there's young leaders out there that are trying to make a difference in the communities.
A historic leap forward.
Aborigines at last were counted in their own land.
Last updated: 07 April 2008.
