Whitlam and Aboriginal self-determination in Redfern

Abstract

The Whitlam government played a significant role in introducing progressive new policies in Aboriginal Affairs following the 1972 election. Yet, Aboriginal activists based in Redfern soon expressed disappointment with and criticism of the direction of these policies. They challenged the meaning and administration of the newly introduced self-determination policy and the limits it placed on Aboriginal control of their organisations. These organisations, including the Aboriginal Legal and Medical Services, had been established in Redfern before the Labor government came to power. Even though they benefited under the self-determination policy, their ability to achieve Aboriginal control was not because Whitlam and his government agreed with the activists’ aims and understanding of self-determination. Rather the generous funding under the Labor government, together with some weaknesses in its management, allowed the organisations to push the limits of self-determination as defined by the government. Thus, even though the Whitlam government was supportive of improved Aboriginal controlled services, it had not anticipated the development towards Aboriginal self-determination pursued by the activists in Redfern.