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1967 Referendum research guide

The 1967 Referendum marked a pivotal moment in the fight for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights in Australia. This guide provides access to key resources from the Library's collection, exploring the activism, campaigns, and lasting impacts of the landmark event. Learn about the lead-up to the referendum, the significance of the historic 'Yes' vote, and its ongoing legacy in the pursuit of justice, equality, and recognition for First Australians.
First Australians Government and politics Law and legislation

About the 1967 Referendum

The results of the 1967 Referendum are significant for three reasons:

  • It allowed the Commonwealth of Australia to make laws with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (amendment to Section 51).
  • People identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander could be legally recorded in the results of the Australian Census for the first time (amendment to Section 127).
  • The question relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recorded the highest YES vote of of any proposed alteration to the Constitution, 90.77 percent.

This guide aims to introduce researchers to key materials relating to the 1967 Referendum which form part of the Library's collection

Topics in this guide

A black and white photo of a man sitting on a train

Robert McFarlane, Charles Perkins travelling to University, 1963, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136494589

The lead up to 1967

Find out more about the constitutional context, the activism that led to change and key resources documenting the fight for recognition and justice for First Nations people.

Research guide
A handwritten document titled "Draft Petition," written in cursive on lined paper. The text features multiple corrections and strikethroughs, with numbered points outlining proposed changes. The writing appears densely packed and slightly uneven,

Jessie Street's handwritten draft petition calling for amendments to the Australian Constitution (1957), nla.gov.au/nla.obj-231546119

The campaign

Find out more about the key players, pivotal petition campaigns, government policies and resources documenting the fight for constitutional change to end discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Research guide
Writ for a Referendum issued by the Commonwealth of Australia in 1967, addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer, detailing instructions for voting on proposed constitutional changes, signed by the Governor-General and Minister for the Interior.

Commonwealth of Australia, Writ for a Referendum - By Her Majesty the Queen for a proposed law for the alteration of the Constitution, entitled "Constitution Alteration (Aboriginals) 1967" from ephemera relating to the campaign on the questions of Parliament and Aboriginals collected by the National Library of Australia, nla.gov.au/catalog/6534332

The result

Use this guide to access resources related to the 1967 Referendum's questions and results, the significance of the 'Yes' vote, related misconceptions about voting rights and its lasting impact.

Research guide
Blue book cover featuring Aboriginal art including hand prints and a turtle

Neil Gillesppie, Reflections: 40 years on from the 1967 referendum, 2007, nla.gov.au/catalog/4199276

Looking forward, looking back

Delve into the referendum's impact, ongoing challenges and key milestones, including land rights, constitutional recognition and efforts to close the gap.

Research guide

General resources

Search Trove to discover resources about the 1967 Referendum from collecting institutions across Australia, for example:

  • Yes Vote 1967
  • 1967 Referendum
  • Aboriginal Activisim
  • Aboriginal Rights

Go to Trove

Where else to look

What if I can't visit the Library?

If you are unable to visit the Library in person, you can use our Copies Direct service to request a copy of collection items held by the Library, subject to the Australian Copyright Act 1968, and have copies of material sent to you via mail or email. Please be aware that some collection items are subject to restrictions around access and copying.

Get help or make a suggestion

Have you discovered unpublished material relating to the 1967 Referendum held in the Library’s collection that is not listed on this guide?

If so, we would love to hear from you! Contact us via our Ask a Librarian enquiry form.

Page published: 29 Nov 2023
Democracy

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