Social Services Act removes references to Aboriginal people

Amendments to this Act in 1966 removed references to Aboriginal people altogether, meaning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in theory had equal access to government payments. However, discrimination continued.

Government questioned about oversight of payments

Activist and Member of Parliament, Gordon Bryant, questioned the Minister for Social Services about how DSS checked whether Aboriginal people on reserves, missions and stations were getting their payments.

Government provides information about payments to Aboriginal audiences

An article published by the Aborigines Welfare Board explained Widow Pension and Old-age Pension in simpler language than earlier government ads.

State pamphlet tells Aboriginal people about payments

Due to a lack of DSS's presence in Western Australia, the state Department of Native Welfare published a pamphlet about payments Aboriginal people could get, reiterating earlier advice to apply through state-based officers.

Officials discuss Child Endowment for grandparent carers

In a series of letters, officials discussed providing government payments to Aboriginal grandparents raising grandchildren.

DSS doesn’t recognise Aboriginal marriage practices

In the 1960s, DSS was questioned about their policy of not supporting multiple wives within Aboriginal marriages. They wouldn’t review their policy for years to come.

Member of Parliament calls for better servicing for Aboriginal people

Member of Parliament, Frederick Collard, pointed out the issues Aboriginal people in Western Australia faced in accessing government services, calling for a ‘fairer deal’.

Government persists with assimilation policy in the wake of the referendum

Prime Minister John Gorton reaffirmed his government’s commitment to assimilation policy in his address at a conference about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.