National Reconciliation Week is held annually to celebrate two significant milestones in Australia's history that changed the legal status of Indigenous Australians. While the week begins on 27 May, it concludes on 3 June to mark the anniversary of a landmark High Court decision that recognized the land rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. What is the name of this historic legal decision?
- The Mabo DecisionAnswer
- BThe 1967 Referendum
- CThe 1901 Federation
Answer
The correct answer is the Mabo Decision, which is commemorated on 3 June as the conclusion of National Reconciliation Week.
The Mabo Decision is the correct answer because it refers to the 1992 High Court of Australia ruling that recognized Native Title and the land rights of Indigenous Australians, which is specifically commemorated on 3 June to conclude National Reconciliation Week.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The significance of the Mabo Decision (3 June) as the closing milestone of National Reconciliation Week.
Hints
1
National Reconciliation Week is framed by two specific dates. One is about a public vote (referendum), and the other is about a court ruling.
2
The 3 June date commemorates the end of the legal doctrine of 'terra nullius' (land belonging to no one).
Practice More
Review the specific outcomes of the 1967 Referendum to understand how it differs from the Mabo Decision's legal focus.
Estimated Time:45s