1972- Policy of self- determination
In 1972 the Federal Labor Government led by Gough Whitlam created a new policy direction “of a separate commonwealth department for Aboriginal affairs, the creation of a schools commission to provide advice to the commonwealth on education (including Indigenous education) and the creation of the aboriginal consultative group as an advisory body” (Partington, Gower & Beresford, 2012, p.63). The incoming government’s commitment to replace assimilation with a policy of self- determination and self- management for Indigenous people brought a new importance to the challenge of increasing amounts of involvement and success in education.
“This policy was described as Aboriginal communities deciding the pace and nature of their future development as significant components within a diverse Australia” (Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their communities, n.d.).
In 1972 the Federal Labor Government led by Gough Whitlam created a new policy direction “of a separate commonwealth department for Aboriginal affairs, the creation of a schools commission to provide advice to the commonwealth on education (including Indigenous education) and the creation of the aboriginal consultative group as an advisory body” (Partington, Gower & Beresford, 2012, p.63). The incoming government’s commitment to replace assimilation with a policy of self- determination and self- management for Indigenous people brought a new importance to the challenge of increasing amounts of involvement and success in education.
“This policy was described as Aboriginal communities deciding the pace and nature of their future development as significant components within a diverse Australia” (Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and their communities, n.d.).