Rights and Freedoms · Term 2

Brown v. Board of Education

Students will investigate the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education and its impact on school desegregation.

About This Topic

The 1967 Referendum is often misunderstood as the moment Indigenous Australians gained the right to vote or became citizens. In reality, it was a campaign to change the Australian Constitution to allow the Commonwealth to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to include them in the national census. This topic explores the decade-long campaign by activists like Faith Bandler and Jessie Street, culminating in the most successful referendum in Australian history with a 90.77% 'Yes' vote.

For Year 10 students, this is a study in constitutional change and the power of a unified national movement. It highlights the collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Students grasp the significance and the limitations of the referendum more effectively through collaborative investigations into the 'Yes' and 'No' cases and by debunking common myths through peer-led research.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The 'Yes' Campaign

Students examine campaign posters, songs, and leaflets from 1967. They identify the key messages used to persuade the Australian public and discuss why the campaign was so successful. Groups create their own modern 'awareness' poster for a contemporary Indigenous rights issue.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Debunking the Myths

Provide students with a list of common beliefs about the 1967 Referendum (e.g., 'it gave the right to vote'). In pairs, they use provided fact sheets to determine if each belief is true or false. They then share their findings with the class, correcting the record on what the referendum actually changed.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Role Play: The Federal vs. State Power Debate

Students take on roles as state premiers and federal ministers in 1967. They debate whether the Commonwealth should have the power to make laws for Indigenous people, reflecting the concerns about 'states' rights' versus national consistency. This helps students understand the constitutional mechanics of the change.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The 1967 Referendum gave Aboriginal people the right to vote.

What to Teach Instead

Most Indigenous Australians already had the right to vote in federal elections by 1962. The referendum was about the census and the power of the federal government to make laws. Using a timeline of voting rights helps students correct this common error.

Common Misconception

The referendum granted 'citizenship' to Indigenous Australians.

What to Teach Instead

Indigenous Australians were already citizens under the 1948 Nationality and Citizenship Act. The referendum removed discriminatory references in the Constitution. Peer discussion of the specific wording of Sections 51 and 127 helps clarify the legal reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the 1967 Referendum actually change?

It changed two sections of the Constitution. Section 127 was deleted, meaning Indigenous people were finally counted in the census. Section 51 (xxvi) was amended so the Federal Government could make laws for Indigenous people, rather than leaving it solely to the states. Students can look at the actual text of the Constitution to see these edits.

Why was the 90% 'Yes' vote so significant?

It was a powerful symbolic victory that showed overwhelming public support for Indigenous rights. It gave the Federal Government a clear mandate to take action on issues like land rights and health. In class, students can compare this result to other Australian referendums to see how rare such a consensus is.

Who were the key leaders of the 1967 campaign?

Leaders included Faith Bandler, Doug Nicholls, Jessie Street, and Chicka Dixon. They worked through organisations like FCAATSI to lobby politicians and educate the public. Students can research these individuals to see how a diverse coalition of people can drive national change.

How can active learning help students understand the 1967 Referendum?

Active learning helps students navigate the complex legal and symbolic aspects of the referendum. By investigating the campaign materials and debating the constitutional changes, students move beyond the myths. Collaborative research into the 'Yes' case allows them to see the strategic communication used to achieve such a historic result, making the civics and history lessons more engaging and accurate.

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