1. GOVERNMENT POLICIES TOWARDS ABORIGINES

2. Protection 1901 – 1940s Aborigines were treated legally as minors.
The chief protector  of aborigines in each state was their guardian.
He was responsible for their health, welfare and education. Aboriginal people could not move house, travel, marry, or get a job without official approval. Under this policy Aboriginal people were kept on reserves. Some of these reserves  had really bad living conditions.
Under the protection policy ''half caste'' children were removed from their Aboriginal mothers to be brought up in the white community. This policy lasted until the 1950's. 

3. Assimilation: 1950s
In the1950s and 1960's Aborigines had to become socially and culturally white. This was because the government wanted only one Australian culture.
It was hoped that by adopting mainstream culture, Aboriginal people would become completely absorbed  into white culture.
This policy was also applied to the migrants.
Children were still taken form their parents during this time.

4. Integration: 1968
The 1967 referendum brought about a change and Aboriginal culture was recognised. Aboriginals were expected to live like white people but maintain some of their traditional practices. This policy lasted until the Whitlam years. 
Children continued to be taken from their mothers.

5. SELF DETERMINATION: 1972
Under the Whitlam government, Aboriginal communities were expected  to govern themselves and decide how their communities would operate.
Government funding was made available to support Aboriginal communities whilst becoming independent.
Organisations such as  ATSIC (Aboriginal Torres Strait Islanders Commission) were developed to support these policies.

6. Sources and Links