When the Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901, the official census recorded a nati… — Australian Citizenship Test

When the Commonwealth of Australia was formed in $1901$ , the official census recorded a national population of approximately $4$ million people. However, this count was incomplete because it did not include which specific group of people?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesAnswer
B
People residing in remote and outback communities
C
Individuals who had originally arrived in Australia as convicts

Answer

The correct answer is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as they were officially excluded from the first national population count in

1901

The correct answer identifies that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not included in the

1901

population count. This is a significant historical detail in the Australian citizenship curriculum, highlighting that the recorded

4

million residents were predominantly of British or Irish descent and did not reflect the true total population of the continent.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the historical context of the

1901

census.

The census was taken at the time of Federation to determine the population of the new Commonwealth.

Establishing the baseline population was a key part of forming the new nation.

Recall the legal and social exclusions of the early

20^{th}

century in Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were not counted as part of the official population for constitutional reasons at that time.

This exclusion is a core historical fact emphasized in the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond resource.

Select the group that matches the historical exclusion.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This matches the official record that the

4

million figure only accounted for non-Indigenous residents.

Key Concept

The

1901

census count of

4

million people excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Practice More

Review the significance of the

1967

referendum, which eventually led to the inclusion of Indigenous Australians in the national census.

Estimated Time:45s

Question

Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept

Common Mistakes

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