When the British government colonised Australia, they completely ignored the original inhabitants, declaring the land empty of people - terra nullius. From then on, Aborigines were treated as non-citizens and denied the rights that others enjoyed.

Vote Yes for Aborigines covers the historic fight for Aboriginal citizenship rights and the lead-up to the 1967 Referendum. The program marks the 40th anniversary of the Referendum, screening on its actual date.

While many people believe that the 1967 Referendum gave Aborigines the right to vote, it in fact removed two sections of the constitution which discriminated against Aborigines. With the highest "yes" vote in Australia's history, 90.77% of voters agreed that Aborigines be counted in the census and that the Commonwealth Government take charge of Aboriginal affairs, effectively acknowledging Aboriginal people as citizens within their own country.

Aborigines had fought for citizenship rights for over a century, but it was the coming together of the many Aboriginal associations and leagues in 1958 to form a national body, that finally gave impetus to the struggle. The Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI) attracted both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal membership and support from across all sections of Australian society.

For ten years, they campaigned to convince the public and politicians of the need for Constitutional change. They capitalised on the global condemnation of Australia's treatment of its indigenous people and the media's growing interest in Aboriginal issues. The "Freedom Rides" of 1965 and the Gurindji strike at Wave Hill in 1966, highlighted Aboriginal living and working conditions and helped advance the crusade to set things right for indigenous Australians.

More than just marking a time in history, Vote Yes for Aborigines questions the success of the Referendum and addresses current debates about what is meant by Australian citizenship and values and how they relate, if at all, to Aboriginal history, identity, and culture.

Vote Yes for Aborigines hears from some of those involved with the 1967 Referendum and explores the social attitudes and influences that led to the event, featuring former Prime Ministers, politicians, historians and campaigners.

Production Company: Denise Haslem
Productions Pty Ltd Producer: Denise Haslem
Director: Frances Peters-Little
Writer: Frances Peters-Little

You can watch the rest here: part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5.