Aboriginal Law Bulletin --- "News: The Referendum; Black Deaths Dropped by Parliament" [1987] AboriginalLawB 29; (1987) 1(26) Aboriginal Law Bulletin 11

• News
• The Referendum
• Black Deaths Dropped By Parliament

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News

The Referendum

It was twenty years ago on 27 May 1987, that the Australian people delivered the constitutional power to the Commonwealth Government to make laws for the Aboriginal people. This symbolic recognition of Australia's non-citizens has been referred to as a major watershed in Australian history. For many Aborigines it was 179 years too late. However it has provided the federal powers necessary for change, which is an indication of where the real changes must come if the Aboriginal people are to receive justice and compensation.

Black Deaths Dropped by Parliament

Following public pressure and growing Aboriglnal outrage at the high number of Aboriginal deaths in custody, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs received a reference from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on the Involvement of Aboriginals with the criminal justice system.

In view of the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the consequent dissolution of the Committee, the Committee would have been unable to proceed on its reference unfit it was re-appointed in the new Parliament and the matter re-referred by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

The Minister has therefore decided to refer the matter of Aboriginal involvement with the criminal justice system to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission.

Any inquiries and submissions on this matter should be sent to the Human; Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.