1967 Referendum Case Study

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Date:

📚 Part 1: Primary Source Analysis

Read the following excerpts from 1967 campaign materials:

Government Pamphlet (1967): "A 'YES' vote will give the Commonwealth Parliament power to make special laws for Aboriginal people... This will enable the Commonwealth to help Aboriginal people in ways that are not now possible."

The Australian (newspaper), 1967: "The referendum asks Australians to decide whether Aboriginal people should be counted in the national census and whether the Federal Government should have power to make laws for them."

1. What two main changes to the Constitution were proposed in the 1967 Referendum?

2. According to the government pamphlet, what was the main reason given for voting 'YES'?

To give Aboriginal people the right to vote

To allow the Commonwealth to make special laws for Aboriginal people

To grant Aboriginal people citizenship

To give Aboriginal people land rights

3. What does the newspaper excerpt suggest about Aboriginal people's status before 1967?

✏️ Part 2: Constitutional Changes & Impact

4. The referendum changed two sections of the Australian Constitution. Complete the following:

Section 51(xxvi) was changed to give the Commonwealth Parliament power to make laws for _________________ people.

Section 127 was removed, which meant Aboriginal people would now be _________________ in the national census.

5. Why was the 1967 Referendum significant? Select all that apply:

It had the highest 'YES' vote of any Australian referendum

It gave Aboriginal people the right to vote for the first time

It recognised Aboriginal people as Australian citizens

It allowed the federal government to create policies for Aboriginal people

6. Explain one way the referendum was a "turning point" for Aboriginal rights in Australia:

🤔 Part 3: Critical Analysis & Reflection

7. Some historians argue that the 1967 Referendum was more symbolic than practical. What evidence from your learning supports or challenges this view?

8. Extension Activity: Choose ONE of the following options:

Written: Research and write a paragraph about one Aboriginal activist who campaigned for the referendum

Visual: Create a simple timeline showing three key events leading up to the 1967 Referendum

Oral: Prepare a 2-minute presentation explaining why the referendum was important (present to teacher)

9. Personal Reflection: How do you think the 1967 Referendum changed how Aboriginal Australians were viewed in society?

Success Criteria - I can:

☐ Identify the two constitutional changes made by the 1967 Referendum

☐ Analyse primary sources to understand different perspectives on the referendum

☐ Explain why the referendum was significant for Aboriginal rights

☐ Use evidence to support my arguments about the referendum's impact

1967 Referendum Case Study

1967 Referendum Case Study

📚 Part 1: Primary Source Analysis

✏️ Part 2: Constitutional Changes & Impact

🤔 Part 3: Critical Analysis & Reflection

Success Criteria - I can:

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