National Reconciliation Week is an annual observance that commemorates two distinct legal and constitutional achievements in Australian history. While the 1992 High Court Mabo decision focused on land rights, the 1967 Referendum achieved a fundamental change by which of the following actions?
- Allowing the Commonwealth to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and counting them in the official census.Answer
- BOverturning the legal concept of 'terra nullius' and providing a legal framework for Native Title claims.
- CFormally apologizing to the Stolen Generations and establishing National Sorry Day to recognize past wrongs.
Answer
The 1967 Referendum resulted in the Commonwealth being allowed to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ensured they were counted in the national census.
The 1967 Referendum was a historic turning point where over 90% of Australians voted to change the Constitution. This change gave the Australian Government the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and required that they be counted in the national census, marking a major step toward equal citizenship.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The 1967 Referendum and the Mabo Decision are the two pillars of National Reconciliation Week, representing constitutional recognition and land rights respectively.
Hints
1
National Reconciliation Week starts with the anniversary of the Referendum and ends with the anniversary of a High Court case.
2
Think about which event involved a 'Yes' vote from the Australian public to change the Constitution.
3
The 1967 Referendum was specifically about government powers and the census, while the 1992 Mabo case was specifically about land.
Practice More
Review the significance of the High Court's Mabo decision to understand the 'Native Title' milestone of National Reconciliation Week.
Estimated Time:1m 30s