Qld Government commemorates 50 years since 1967 Referendum

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch today (Saturday) took part in a special community day commemorating a major milestone in Australian and Indigenous history.

Ms Enoch attended Brisbane’s State Library of Queensland (SLQ) – 50 Years and Counting - to mark the 50^th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.

She said it was fitting to hold the commemoration at the State Library of Queensland.

“The State Library is a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and histories are respectfully preserved and collected for our future generations,” Ms Enoch said.

“On 27 May 1967, Australians voted overwhelmingly for constitutional change, to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the national census for the first time.

“This change not only improved the services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, it was also a major step towards achieving better rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – with the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues were counted and considered at a national level.

“Occasions such as this milestone anniversary provide us with a chance to reflect on how far we have come as a nation.

“It also allows us to consider how we move forward into the future, to ensure all Australians are treated and recognised equally.”

Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said it was important to acknowledge and remember milestone anniversaries ‘such as this so we do not lose sight of the development we have made as a nation”.

“This landmark vote showed that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians were hungry for change and wanted a society that was based on equality,” Ms Trad said.

“It was fitting that this great event was held on Kurilpa in my community of South Brisbane, which has been an incredibly important place of gathering and culture for the Jagera and Turrbul people for many, many years.

“It’s inspiring to see so many people – people from many cultures and from many generations – commemorating this important chapter in Australian and Indigenous history.”

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