Political Life

Kulin Ngurangaetas meet with John Batman – misrepresented as a 'treaty'

Ngurangaetas (Elders / headmen) from Kulin nations met with John Batman and others from the Port Phillip Association. This meeting has been referred to as the signing of the Batman Treaty, but the Tanderrum that occurred held very different meanings for the Kulin ngurangaetas and the colonisers. The ngurangaetas were welcoming strangers onto Country. The Port Phillip Association were attempting to use the treaty to gain access to land, forcing the Imperial and colonial governments to extend the areas of settlement. Governor Richard Bourke delivered a proclamation that voided the treaty and ignored First Peoples relationship with Country, reiterating instead the notion of terra nullius.

The Buxton Report calls for Indigenous protection

The British Government set up the Select Committee on Aborigines [sic]. It was led by evangelical politician Thomas Fowell Buxton and developed originally because of concern about the violence of colonisation in the Cape Colony. Its 1837 report, known as the Buxton report, recommended the protection of Indigenous people as a moral and economic imperative for the Empire.

Port Phillip Aboriginal Protectorate commences

With the arrival of the Protectors the Port Phillip Aboriginal Protectorate commenced. The Protectorate was the idea of the Colonial Office and was funded by colonial money from the sale and leasing of First Peoples’ Country. The Protectors were charged with stopping colonists murdering and harming First Peoples.

Closure of the Port Phillip Aboriginal Protectorate

Colonial authorities in New South Wales and Melbourne closed the Port Phillip Aboriginal Protectorate.

Separation of the Port Phillip District

The Port Phillip District separated from the colony of New South Wales and became the colony of Victoria, with the first Victorian Legislative Council elected that same year.

The Constitution of Victoria

The British Government passed the Constitution of Victoria (Victoria Constitution Act 1855).

Select Committee of the Legislative Council on the Aborigines

The Colonial Government established the Select Committee of the Legislative Council on the Aborigines. The Committee recommended that First Peoples be moved to reserves.

Taungurung and Wurundjeri First Peoples secure Acheron Station, and are then forcibly moved

Taungurung men Beaning, Murrin Murrin, Parugean, Baruppin and Koo-gurrin, with Wurundjeri ngurungaeta Wonga and Wurundjeri man Munnarin, approached Guardian of the Aborigines, William Thomas and the colonial government for use of land that became Acheron Station. Colonisers and politicians worked together to get the approval of the colonial government to forcibly move the Taungurung from Acheron Station to another site, Mohican.

Establishment of the Central Board

The Colonial Government established the Central Board appointed to watch over the interests of the Aborigines with oversight of existing and new reserves.

Mordialloc Reserve is cancelled

Bunurong Boonwurrung Arweet Derrimut complained to Thomas about the government’s cancelling of Mordialloc reserve.

The establishment of Coranderrk

In March 1863 Wurundjeri and Taungurung people made a home on Wurundjeri Country where Coranderrk (Badger) Creek joined the Birrarung (Yarra) River. In May 1863 Wurundjeri ngurungaeta Simon Wonga led a deputation which included William Barak to Naarm/Melbourne to meet with Governor Sir Henry Barkly at the Governor’s levee. During their brief discussion they mentioned the need for land. Coranderrk was gazetted shortly afterwards. 

First peoples excluded from voting

The Electoral Act 1865 (Vic) expressly excluded those receiving charity from voting, denying franchise to any First Peoples living on reserves and missions or receiving rations, medical care or other forms of assistance.

Resistance of relocation from Framlingham

First Peoples resisted their forced relocation from Framlingham after the Central Board wanted to relocate residents to Lake Condah mission.

Framlingham re-opened and the Aborigines Protection Act 1869 is passed

Framlingham residents coordinated a deputation to the Central Board to request Framlingham be re-opened. The Board complied.

The Colonial Government passed the Aborigines Protection Act 1869 (Vic). The Central Board became known as the Board for the Protection of the Aborigines (BPA).

First peoples campaign for Coranderrk conditions and Cummeragunja land

Ngarangaeta William Barak led a deputation walking 67 kilometres to parliament house to Premier Graham Berry. This was part of a longer campaign of political activism including letter-writing and petitions to representatives of the government, and the media. This action resulted in the 1881 Parliamentary Inquiry into conditions at Coranderrk.

42 men living at Maloga Mission wrote to Governor of NSW Augustus Loftus requesting land. The petition was taken to Sydney and published in the Sydney Morning Herald on 2 July 1881. In 1883, in response to the petition, ‘the New South Wales government set aside an 1800-acre reserve across the river from Maloga’, in an area known as Cummeragunja.

William Barak petitions against changed definition of Aboriginality

William Barak presented a petition to Chief Secretary Duncan Gillies asking for freedom from the BPA and arguing against the proposed new Act (see below).

The Colonial Government passed the Aborigines Protection Act 1886 (Vic) and changed the definition of Aboriginality, creating two legal categories ‘Aboriginal natives’ and ‘half castes’ [sic]. First Peoples of ’mixed Aboriginal blood’ forced off reserves and to no longer receive government supplies.

Maloga residents petition for community land

In July 1887, residents of Maloga presented the Governor (Lord Carrington) with a petition requesting Queen Victoria grant land to the community (no less than 100 acres to each family). In November 1887, William Cooper and Johnny Atkinson wrote to their local member of parliament John Chanter asking him to advocate for them to obtain land near Maloga.

Establishment of Cummeragunja mission station

In June 1888 the Cummeragunja mission station was established on land previously reserved for ‘Aboriginal use’ (see 1881 Maloga petition).  

Protests against the closure of Framlingham and forced removal

First Peoples actively protested and resisted the closure of Framlingham and their forced removal. The BPA unanimously voted to close Framlingham Reserve as part of its policy to amalgamate reserves and missions. Because of resistance and campaigning by the residents, they were permitted to continue to live at the Framlingham site, after land was exclusively reserved for their use.

Cancellation of 2400 acres of Coranderrk reserve

The government cancelled 2400 acres of the Coranderrk reserve through the Crown Lands Reserve Act 1893 (Vic) at the request of the Minister of Lands and Agriculture and in response to the Settlement of Lands Act 1893 (Vic). Residents protested the decision despite BPA attempts to keep the land revocation quiet. 

Australian Constitution excludes First Peoples from the census

Federation of Australia, and establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1901 (Cth) which excluded First Peoples from being counted in the census.

The Australian Government passed the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (Cth) (The White Australia Policy) which outlined a set of policies designed to prohibit people of non-European ethnic origins from immigrating to Australia.

First Peoples excluded from Federal voting

First Peoples were excluded from voting at the Federal level with the introduction of the Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902 (Cth).

Non-Indigenous women are given the right to vote in Victoria.

Defence Act prohibits non-Europeans from serving in armed forces

The Australian Government passed the Defence Act 1909, prohibiting persons not of substantially European origin from serving in armed forces’.

Victoria brings First Peoples of mixed parentage back under BPA control

The Victorian Government passed the Aborigines Act 1910 (Vic) which brought First Peoples of mixed parentage under BPA control again.

Biological definitions of Aboriginal identity codified

The Victorian Government passed the Aborigines Act 1915 (Vic). This Act codified biological definitions of Aboriginal identity through the distinction between ‘half caste’ and ‘full blood’. Additional harsh controls were added through Regulations issued in 1916.

BPA attempts to concentrate First Peoples at Lake Tyers

The BPA committed to concentrate and compel all First Peoples to live at Lake Tyers, however First Peoples living at places such as Coranderrk and Lake Condah protested and refused to move.

First Peoples born from 1921 gain the status of British subjects

The Australian Government passed the Nationality Act 1920 (Cth). All First Peoples born after 1 January 1921 gained the status of British subjects through this Act.

Australian Aborigines Progressive Association formed in NSW

Mixed descent First Peoples require licences for reserve living

The Victorian Government passed the Aborigines Act 1928 (Vic). First Peoples of mixed descent had to apply for a licence to reside on a reserve.

AAL is established

Australian Aborigines' League (AAL) established by William Cooper, Sir Pastor Doug Nicholls, Margaret Tucker, Bill and Eric Onus and others in Melbourne. Membership was open to all First Peoples.

Failed petitions for the preservation of the Indigenous race

William Cooper sent a petition to Prime Minister Joseph Lyons to be further sent to King George VI, requesting action ‘for the preservation of our race from extinction and to grant representation to our race in the Federal Parliament.’ The petition was not successful.

Commonwealth and State Native Welfare Conference adopted assimilation as the national policy, although the war delayed its adoption.

The Day of Mourning

On 26 January 1938, William Cooper, Pastor Doug Nicholls, Margaret Tucker and others protest the invasion of Australia, in a Day of Mourning. At a conference held in Sydney around 100 First Peoples unanimously voted for a resolution asking for new laws for the education and care of First Peoples and ‘a new policy which will raise our people to full citizen status and equality within the community.’ This day became an annual protest known as Aborigines Day until 1955, when it was moved to the first Sunday in July (and later was transformed into NAIDOC celebrations).

Cummeragunja walk off

Residents at Cummeragunja Mission walk off due to the poor living conditions, mismanagement of land and harsh treatment.

Aboriginal Church of Christ

Pastor Doug Nicholls established the Aboriginal Church of Christ in Gore Street, Fitzroy.

Aborigines’ League march in the May Day parade to Birrarung/speakers corner

Passing of the Australian Citizenship Act

The Australian Government passed the Australian Citizenship Act (Cth) which established that all peoples born in Australia are Australian citizens.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

First Peoples who served in the Defence Force are allowed to vote

The Australian Government passed amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act, which allowed First Peoples who had served in the Defence Force to vote in federal elections.

Official adoption of assimilation policy

The federal Australian Native Welfare Conference officially adopted the policy of assimilation agreed to in 1937. In 1961, the Conference of Native Welfare Ministers reaffirmed assimilation as policy.

Establishment of NADOC (NAIDOC)

National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC) was established with support from Aboriginal organisations, state and federal governments. Later became the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC).

Establishment of the AAL

Pastor Doug Nicholls and others established the Victorian Aboriginal Advancement League (AAL). The AAL empowered the proliferation of a diverse range of First Peoples organisations in Victoria, playing the critical role of coordinating various community-controlled organisations.

First Peoples federal vote is ensured

The Australian Government passed the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1962 (Cth) ensuring the votes of First Peoples at the federal level.

March to protest the closing of Lake Tyers

First Peoples living at Lake Tyers/Bung Yarnda, along with Pastor Doug Nicholls, marched in Melbourne to protest the government’s decision to close Lake Tyers. Activism to protect Lake Tyers and put it under community management had been happening since the mid-1950s. These actions ultimately led to the 1970 Aboriginal Land Act and under the Act Lake Tyers families were given unconditional title deeds in 1971.

The Freedom Rides

Charles Perkins led the ‘Freedom Rides’, a tour of University of Sydney students around regional areas of NSW. This rose awareness of the issues facing First Peoples, particularly the extent of racism in regional areas. 

Referendum to recognise First Peoples in the Constitution

A national referendum was held to change two sections of the Australian Constitution in relation to First Peoples. More than 90 per cent of the electorate voted ‘Yes’ to amend the constitution to allow the Commonwealth Government to make laws on the behalf of First Peoples and to count them in the Census. As a result, the Commonwealth Constitution was altered and First Peoples were included in the Census and other documentation practices.

Aborigines Welfare Board (AWB) was abolished with the passing of the Aboriginal Affairs Act 1967 (Vic) and a Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Aboriginal Advisory Council established.

Vigil for land rights

Over 100 protesters hold a 24-hour vigil in Spring St to demand land rights as part of lands rights protests across Australia.

Federal funding was allocated to state governments to support First Peoples under the States Grants (Aboriginal Advancement) Act 1968 (Cth).

The first Indigenous Australian is elected to federal parliament

First Peoples man David Kennedy (legally Andrew David Kennedy) was the first Indigenous Australian to be elected to the federal Parliament through a by-election in 1969 (as the member for Bendigo in the Commonwealth House of Representatives) but was defeated at general elections in 1972. At the time, it was not publicly known that David Kennedy was Aboriginal. David and his brother Cyril are now believed to be Tasmanian Aboriginal. For this reason, Neville Bonner (Jagera) is commonly recorded as the first Indigenous federal Parliamentarian in 1971. 

David Kennedy was also elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 1982.

Families granted the Crown Grant of Lake Tyers and Framlingham

The Victorian Government passed the Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 (Vic). Through this Act, and years of activism by community, families at Lake Tyers and Framlingham were granted the Crown grant of the reserves.

Neville Bonner elected to Federal Parliament

First Peoples man Neville Bonner AO (Jagera) was elected to the federal Parliament. Neville Bonner is commonly considered the first Indigenous man to be elected to the Australian Parliament, however, see David Kennedy 1969.

Establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy

Aboriginal Tent Embassy established outside Parliament House on Ngunnawal/Ngambri Country (Canberra). It continues today as the longest running protest in Australia.

Greater Support for First Peoples Institutions and Programs

The Whitlam Federal government adopted a policy of self-determination and provided more support for First Peoples controlled institutions and programs.

The Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs was established

Nindethana is created

Uncle Jack Charles and Bob Maza set up Australia’s first Aboriginal Theatre Company in 1972 in Melbourne (Naarm) and name it ‘Nindethana’.

Commonwealth Ministry for Aboriginal Affairs is abolished

The Commonwealth Ministry for Aboriginal Affairs was abolished by the Aboriginal Affairs (Arrangements with the States) Act 1973 (Cth) and the Aboriginal Affairs (Transfer of Functions) Act 1974 (Vic). The Commonwealth assumed legislative power for ‘[A]boriginal affairs’ and primary responsibility for funding, while State departments and Ministers continued to provide health, housing, education, employment and welfare services for First Peoples.

Establishment of Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Unit

The Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Unit was established to coordinate state policies and administer Victorian State sponsorship of economic development and cultural initiatives.

Victorian Constitution acknowledges original land custodians

The Constitution of Victoria was amended to acknowledge First Peoples as the original custodians of the land but expressly stated that there were no legal rights arising from this acknowledgment.

3CR Aboriginal Radio Program first aired

First Indigenous parliamentarian in Victoria

First Peoples man Cyril Kennedy becomes the first Indigenous parliamentarian in Victoria. Like his brother David Kennedy (who was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 1982), during his time in Parliament it was not publicly known that he was Aboriginal. It is now believed that Cyril and David were Tasmanian Aboriginal.

For this reason, Lidia Thorpe was the first person to publicly be known as Aboriginal to be elected to the Victoria Parliament. 

Framlingham Forest Blockaded

Framlingham community occupied Sherbrooke Forest and blockaded Framlingham Forest to secure land rights.

Lake Condah/Tae Rak land is returned through milestone High Court Case

In 1980, Aunty Sandra Onus and Aunty Christina Saunders took on the mining company Alcoa and won their High Court case (Onus v Alcoa) which led to the handing back of land at the Lake Condah/Tae Rak mission.

Committee report on compensation for dispossession

The Victorian Government established a Parliamentary Committee to report on compensation for the dispossession of Victorian Traditional Owners.

Koori Mural for the AAL

Voting becomes compulsory for First Peoples

Berg v University of Melbourne

Uncle Jim Berg successfully wins major court cases against the University of Melbourne (Berg v University of Melbourne) and the Museum of Victoria to hand back control of First Peoples ancestors’ remains.

APG is formed

The Aboriginal Provisional Government (APG) was formed, leading a campaign to assert sovereignty. APG issues Aboriginal passports and other forms of documentation.

ATSIC is established

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) was established to replace the National Aboriginal Conference, as the first Aboriginal-lead national representative organisation and development grant agency.

Protests over the closure of the Northland Secondary College began and a rebel school was established.

Australia's Indigenous Peoples Party is registered

The first registered political party dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was the Australia's Indigenous Peoples Party (1993–1999).

Victorian Constitution recognises contributions of Aboriginal Peoples

The Victorian constitution was amended to acknowledge the ’unique status of Aboriginal peoples, and to recognise that Aboriginal peoples have made a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the identity of Victoria’.

ATSIC is abolished

Establishment of the Black GST Group and subsequent protests

Uncle Robbie Thorpe, Aunty Marg Thorpe and Uncle Gary Foley establish the Black GST group in 2005. Protests held by the group include protests of the Commonwealth (Stolenwealth) Games in 2006, and establishment of Camp Sovereignty in 2006.

Prisoners lose the right to vote

The Howard Government passed legislation which removed the right to vote from people in prisons. ‘The ban prohibited all prisoners from voting no matter the severity of the crime they were imprisoned for or length of their sentence.’

Roach v Electoral Commissioner

Aunty Vicki Roach supported by the Human Rights Law Centre takes the Commonwealth of Australia and the Australian Electoral Commission to the high court (Roach v Electoral Commissioner), winning her case. ‘This case successfully challenged the constitutional validity of the Howard government’s 2006 prisoner voting ban. This case upheld the notion that the Australian government is chosen “by the people”, which includes people who are incarcerated.’ 

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

Australian government supported the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. It had been adopted in September 2007, with Australia initially one of four states to vote against it.

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples established

Ouyen Sand Mine protested

First Peoples protest the establishment of a sand mine in a culturally significant area near Ouyen.

Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll established

First Indigenous woman elected to Senate

Nova Peris becomes the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the Commonwealth Senate in 2013.

First Indigenous woman elected to House of Representatives

Linda Burney becomes the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the Commonwealth House of Representatives. 

Victorian Treaty proposal and establishment of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria over a three year period to 2019.

First Aboriginal Woman elected to Victorian Parliament

Lidia Thorpe (Djab Wurrung, Gunai, Gunditjmara) was the first Aboriginal woman and the first Victorian First Peoples person to be elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 2017.

At this time, she was also the first person to be elected to the Victorian Parliament who was publicly known to be Aboriginal (see David and Cyril Kennedy). 

In 2020 she became a federal senator representing Victoria in the senate (for the Greens party until she became Independent in 2023).

Second Aboriginal Woman elected to Victorian Parliament

Sheena Watt (Yorta Yorta) was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council. She is the second Victorian First Peoples person to be elected to Victorian Parliament. In March 2025 she remains one of only four Indigenous people ever elected to the Victorian Parliament.

The Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia is registered

The Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia is the only political party run by Indigenous people and focused on Indigenous issues that is currently registered at the federal level. It was registered in November 2021.

The Yoorrook Justice Commission begins

The Australian Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum

The 2023 Referendum on the Australian Indigenous Voice to Parliament (the 2023 Referendum) 60 per cent of the Australian population and 54.2 per cent of the Victorian population voted no to a proposed law ‘[t]o alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice’.

State-wide Victorian Treaty negotiations begin

Camp Sovereignty is re-established at Kings Domain on January 26 2024

Lidia Thorpe approaches King Charles

Lidia Thorpe approaches King Charles, declaring ‘not my King’ after the King had not responded to requests for a meeting. Thorpe was subsequently censured by the Senate. 

Yoorrook Justice Commission delivered its final report and was decommissioned on 30 June