Federalising the aborigines? Constitutional reform in the late 1920s∗

Thanks to two anonymous readers and to Judith Smart for commenting on earlier versions of this article.

Abstract

This paper considers arguments in favour of federal responsibility for indigenous affairs provided to the 1927–29 Royal Commission on the Constitution. Various humanitarian organisations, including women's groups, argued that the future of the Aborigines in Australia was a matter of national importance and was above state and federal politics. Constitutional acknowledgement of Aboriginal Australians as the original owners of the land would mark Australia's progress as a modern nation.

Notes

Thanks to two anonymous readers and to Judith Smart for commenting on earlier versions of this article.