Support for Equal Rights

Vote 'Yes' for equality

Through the 1950s and into the 1960s Aboriginal Australians had begun lobbying for equality under the law including the right to their traditional lands and to be paid the same as others who did the same work.

Trade unions supported equal rights for Aboriginal Australians by providing training and advice for Aboriginal workers and, as the referendum approached, supported the ‘Yes’ campaign.

Wharfies supporting Aboriginal stockmen's fight for wage justice in 1966

Wharfies supporting Aboriginal stockmen's fight for wage justice in 1966

Conditions for Aboriginal men working at Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory were markedly different from those of other workers.

Conditions for Aboriginal men working at Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory were markedly different from those of other workers.

Living and working conditions for Aboriginal men at stations such as Wave Hill in the Northern Territory were markedly different from those of other workers.

Living and working conditions for Aboriginal men at stations such as Wave Hill in the Northern Territory were markedly different from those of other workers.

Wharfies supporting Aboriginal stockmen's fight for equal rights in 1966

Wharfies supporting Aboriginal stockmen's fight for equal rights in 1966

Support for the proposed changes came from white collar unions including the Australian Council of Salaried and Professional Associations.

Support for the proposed changes came from white collar unions including the Australian Council of Salaried and Professional Associations.

A campaign poster for the 'Yes' vote.

A campaign poster for the 'Yes' vote.

The Graziers Association of NSW supported the Yes vote.

The Graziers Association of NSW supported the Yes vote.

Australia's Communist Party supported the proposed changes to the Constitution.

Australia's Communist Party supported the proposed changes to the Constitution.