8. Methods of Activism Australia

Activity 2 - From little things...

Read the following information and complete the exercises that follow about a different strategy used in the fight for equality. 

The Gurindji case was one of the key turning points in the recognition of Land Rights for Aboriginal people. As the land is central to Aboriginal culture and identity, Land Rights became central in their struggle to achieve self-determination and citizenship recognition.

The case started in 1965 when the Northern Australian Workers Union applied for equal pay and conditions for Aboriginal workers. This was part of an ongoing struggle for equal pay in the NT that had begun in 1942, when a minimum wage and working conditions for white farm workers was established. A review of the pay agreement to include Aboriginal workers in 1948 had been rejected.

In March 1966, equal conditions were granted but a ‘slow worker’ clause was included, meaning that those people deemed by farm owners as ‘slow workers’ could be paid less. Consequently, in most cases, Aboriginal workers were deemed as slow workers and paid less. 

Many people from the Gurindji nation worked for the rich British pastoralist, Lord Vestey, who owned an enormous amount of land across northern Australia. In May 1968, sick of being rejected for equal pay, the Gurindji workers, led by Vincent Lingiari, walked off all Lord Vestey’s stations, including a large station at Wave Hill in the Northern Territory. Lord Vestey did not take this protest seriously, believing the workers would return when they needed money after the wet season. However, this dramatic walk-out received a lot of media attention and support around Australia, and instead of returning to work, the Gurindji returned to their traditional lands at Dau Gagu or Wattie Creek, sat down, and refused to return to work.  

The protest for equal wages became a protest for Land Rights when Lord Vestey demanded their movement away from Wattie Creek.