Aboriginal Rights In The 50s And 60s

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The push for aboriginal rights in the 50s and 60s was an ongoing problem. This caused major riots and other boycotts. The start of the riots was Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat in order for a white person to sit down. Aboriginals were always second class and didn’t have the same rights as white people. This included not being able to drink from the same public water taps, swim in the same public pools and go to the same schools as well as other significant rules that isolated the aboriginals from the white people. As time progressed the laws were slowly abolished but this did not make the white people show any sort of respect towards the aboriginal people. As time goes on Prime Ministers come and go, all were challenged with getting rid of the aboriginal laws, some made …show more content…

He abruptly announced in August of 1999, that a national apology for the victims of the stolen generation will not be given. Instead he issues a statement of “sincere and deep regret”. He also went on and refused to attend the bridge walk on the 28th of May 2000. John Howard's approach towards the aboriginal rights during his 11 years in office was very sentimental and he often chose not to speak about the situation. He often went on radio shows and talk shows to talk about the issue. On the 29th May 2000, just 1 day after the Bridge Walk, John Howard went on national television and said; “I speak for the entire government on this and it’s a matter that’s been discussed at great length. We don’t think it’s appropriate for the current generation of Australians to apologise for the injustices committed by past generations.” He often felt the issue was not a big deal and would be inappropriate to talk about it. John Howard was not the most ‘active’ prime minister in this situated area and he did not see it as a problem that should be addressed first and foremost before other political