1940s and earlier
When government payments became a federal responsibility in the 1940s, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were excluded from payments. These artefacts show Aboriginal activists challenging the racial discrimination that was set out in law.
1938
First Aboriginal-led publication calls for equal rights
The Aborigines Progressive Association fought for full citizenship rights for Aboriginal peoples, including social security benefits. They organised, protested and addressed political leaders. They spread their message through the first Aboriginal-led publication, The Australian Abo Call.
In particular, and without delay, all Aborigines should be entitled: … to receive the benefits of old-age and invalid pensions, whether living in Aboriginal settlements or not.
Jack Patten 'Our ten points' 1938.
In particular, and without delay, all Aborigines should be entitled: … to receive the benefits of old-age and invalid pensions, whether living in Aboriginal settlements or not.
Jack Patten 'Our ten points' 1938.
1942
Leader fights for fair access to benefits
Aboriginal activist and leader, Pearl Gibbs, fought for fair access to pensions and income support payments. She questioned proposed changes to social services legislation.
As it was not compulsory for [Aboriginal people] to be registered at birth until about 45 years ago, they have much trouble in proving age ... through no fault of their own, which you will agree is most unjust ...
Pearl Gibbs, 26 August 1942 p 1
As it was not compulsory for [Aboriginal people] to be registered at birth until about 45 years ago, they have much trouble in proving age ... through no fault of their own, which you will agree is most unjust ...
Pearl Gibbs, 26 August 1942 p 1
1945
Activist links citizenship and social service benefits
Aboriginal activist Shadrach Livingstone James petitioned the prime minister for federal citizenship rights for Aboriginal people. This included access to social security benefits and services.
Were we granted citizen rights we would be entitled to maternity allowances, the old age and invalid pensions, child endowment, the right to vote and other blessings which we do not now enjoy.
Shadrach Livingstone James, 27 August 1945, p 2
Were we granted citizen rights we would be entitled to maternity allowances, the old age and invalid pensions, child endowment, the right to vote and other blessings which we do not now enjoy.
Shadrach Livingstone James, 27 August 1945, p 2
1947
Social Services Act excludes Aboriginal people
A new Act brought a range of social services together under federal government responsibility. It excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from payments unless they had an exemption.
(2.) An age pension or an invalid pension may be granted to an aboriginal native of Australia if— (a) he is for the time being exempt from the provisions of the law of the State or Territory ... relating to the control of aboriginal natives ...
Social Services Consolidation Act 1947, section 19(2)
(2.) An age pension or an invalid pension may be granted to an aboriginal native of Australia if— (a) he is for the time being exempt from the provisions of the law of the State or Territory ... relating to the control of aboriginal natives ...
Social Services Consolidation Act 1947, section 19(2)
1947
Mission residents question exemption rules
Community leaders from South Australian missions questioned legislation that said they had to move away from missions to get government payments.
We the undersigned Aborigines desendents [sic] of the first inhabitants of this country, Humbly petition … that all Aborigines, irrespective of cast, or where we live, should be ellegible [sic] to enjoy all social benefits that is enjoyed by all Australians.
RM Wanganeen and HJ Weetra, 1947, p 23
We the undersigned Aborigines desendents [sic] of the first inhabitants of this country, Humbly petition … that all Aborigines, irrespective of cast, or where we live, should be ellegible [sic] to enjoy all social benefits that is enjoyed by all Australians.
RM Wanganeen and HJ Weetra, 1947, p 23
1949
Aboriginal rail labourers fight for equal payments
In 1949, Aboriginal railway labourers who had been denied Unemployment Benefit successfully lobbied the government for financial support.
... we had no income for that period. We were refused Social Service Benefits because we were from the Mission.
Alex ‘Ned’ Ridgeway, November 1949
... we had no income for that period. We were refused Social Service Benefits because we were from the Mission.
Alex ‘Ned’ Ridgeway, November 1949
1949
Torres Strait Islander cane cutters test benefit rules
In 1949, the government rejected requests by 6 Torres Strait Islander cane cutters for Unemployment Benefit. The Queensland Premier asked the prime minister to review the decision.
When six of these men applied … for Unemployment Benefit, a decision was given that they were ineligible … [please investigate] with a view to their being accorded the same Social Service rights as are extended to whites.
Premier EM Hanlon, March 1949
When six of these men applied … for Unemployment Benefit, a decision was given that they were ineligible … [please investigate] with a view to their being accorded the same Social Service rights as are extended to whites.
Premier EM Hanlon, March 1949