The 1967 Referendum

On 27 May 1967 an overwhelming majority of electors voted in a national referendum to amend clauses of the Australian Constitution concerning Aboriginal people. 27 May 2007 is the 40th anniversary of this landmark event. The referendum is commonly considered the turning point in Australian historical and cultural life. The historic moment when citizenship rights were granted — including the vote — and the Commonwealth finally assumed responsibility for Aboriginal affairs. This book explores the legal and political significance of the referendum and the long struggle by Australians for constitutional change.