ABSTRACT
White Australians did not interest themselves in the opinions of Aborigines. The most complete documentation covers the views and activities of Aborigines who attracted some minor notice in the white community through their campaigns for improved treatment of their people. Aborigines in the south of the state were opposed to the increasing restrictions on their personal liberties which resulted from the Act and amendments passed at frequent intervals; many refused to demean themselves by applying for exemptions from its provisions. As a general principle, Aborigines should be accorded the same political rights, legal position, access to social service benefits and educational opportunities as other Australians. Although common policy objectives were advocated for all Aborigines there was recognition of the need to tailor policy in the short and medium term to the varying conditions of their life. A different policy was advocated for dealings with the ‘semi-civilised and civilised’.
