ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the few stages of evolution of policy towards Aboriginal people in Australia. The early policies denied the existence of a non-white people; a belief stemming "naturally" from a contemporary world view where Aboriginal people were considered to be a sub-species of humankind. The Foundation Act of 1834 of South Australia for example, declared the land unoccupied. Aboriginal people were to receive the standard rate of pay for employment and the same industrial protection as other Australians, a dramatic departure from practice. Educational opportunities were to be provided that were in no way inferior to those of the general community. Pre-school and adult education was to be provided where possible. Non-Aboriginal Australian children were to be taught the history and culture of Aboriginal Australians as an integral part of the history of Australia. Education was important in the push for autonomy, despite the complex construction of modes of schooling/education.
