Queensland Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders

The Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders was formed in Adelaide, by twelve delegates from nine Aboriginal rights and welfare leagues and twelve observers. The Council was formed for Aboriginal Advancement, designed to unite existing lobby groups, with a goal to help “the Aboriginal people of Australia to become self-reliant, self-supporting members of the community”. The catalysis for the political movement came when the London Anti-Slavery Society began planning to approach the United Nations on behalf of Australian Aboriginals, a process which involved Jessie Street.

Daisy Marchisotti and Oodgeroo Noonuccal were involved with the Queensland Sub-Branch. In the early 1960s a schism developed among those members, often described as 'lefties' or communists, who were prepared to challenge racist Queensland legislation, and others who were less prepared to rock the boat. This latter group formed the One People of Australia League (OPAL).

Impact on Brisbane Society

Further research is underway.

Citations

Queensland Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (QCAATSI) Web Page. Retrieved on 15 February 2019.

Image Citations

Don Dunstan and Jacob Oberdoo facing audience, Brisbane 1961, The Federal Council for Aboriginal Advancement conference was held at the University of Queensland. Don Dunstan was the retiring president. Source: Ian Spalding. [https://indigenousrights.net.au/organisations/pagination/queensland_council_for_the_advancement_of_aborigines_and_torres_strait_islanders_qcaatsi]

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