This in-depth study examines changes and continuities in Australian public opinion about the Aborigines and their struggle for recognition and social justice. Looking at four key episodes in recent political history—the 1967 referendum, the Hawke government’s national land-rights proposal from 1984–1986, the Native Title debate, and the reconciliation debate in 2000—this book explores public opinion research, the debate surrounding these issues, and how they affected the political discussion of indigenous peoples’ issues in Australia. 

Tim Rowse is a senior research fellow in the history program at Australian National University. He is the author of After Mabo and Nugget Coombs: A Reforming Life. Murray Goot is a professor in the politics and international relations department at Macquarie University–Sydney.