Campaigning for a Yes Vote

With the questions and the date set, FCAATSI's energy shifted to winning the vote [view report]. Notwithstanding the proposals' unanimous cross-party support, FCAATSI activists had good reason to worry about the outcome.

Prior to 1967 Australian voters had agreed to only four of the twenty four constitutional referendum proposals put to them since Federation.

It was a nation, moreover, with a long history of racism, especially in relation to its treatment of indigenous people. Would a predominantly white electorate swim against this tide and vote in favour of Aborigines? FCAATSI could not be certain.

Image: MayDay1966. Trade unionists marching for Aboriginal citizenship,
1966 Brisbane May Day procession

Image 3X: FCAATSI referendum campaign poster

The activists threw themselves into the campaign. With few resources of their own the Federal Council relied on support from some church and community groups, the ALP and trade unions. The national campaign was coordinated from Gordon Bryant's electoral office in Melbourne, while in Queensland Manfred Cross's Brisbane office provided the hub for state activities. Much of the financial, organisational and political support came from trade unions. The Communist Party also lent its support.

Image 3N. FCAATSI campaign flier, distributed widely in the leadup to the Referendum

The FCAATSI's small band of indigenous leaders played a major role in galvanising support within the white community.

Queensland activists Kath Walker (Oodgeroo Noonuccal) and Joe McGinness were especially prominent, addressing meetings, lobbying politicians and giving press, radio and television interviews.

Beyond the leading FCAATSI identities, however, indigenous involvement remained limited.

As Faith Bandler explains, "the majority of Aboriginal people were shut away, isolated from the mainstream of society, locked on reserves and required permits to visit even nearby towns."

They were also justifiably sceptical that the referendum would make any difference to their lives.

"Most Aborigines' concerns were linked to their daily survival, as the hardships they were suffering were very great. The matter of the referendum seemed remote... " 11

Image 3L: QCAATI float in the 1967 Brisbane May Day procession

 

< < Campaigning for a Referendum

> > Campaigning for a Yes Vote, continued

 

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