No Small Change: The Road to Recognition for Indigenous Australia

by Frank Brennan, Patricia Turner (Foreword)

In 1967, Australians voted overwhelmingly in favor of removing from the Constitution two references that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Though these seemed like small amendments, they were an impetus for real change: from terra nullius to land rights, and from assimilation to self-determination. Nearly 50 years later, there is a groundswell of support for our Indigenous heritage to be formally recognized in the Constitution. With the prospect of a new referendum in the near future, Frank Brennan considers how far Australians have come—and yet how much work lies ahead. He looks through the prism of history to examine what we can learn from our successes and failures since 1967, from the efforts of the Council of Aboriginal Affairs to the Gove land rights case and the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. He also assesses the way forward: how the upcoming referendum might provide fresh momentum for governments and Indigenous Australians to negotiate better outcomes. Written by one of the most respected commentators on legal and human rights issues, this book makes a vital contribution to the understanding of Indigenous affairs. It will generate crucial debate on how Australians should acknowledge the history that for too long has gone unrecognized

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2015

Reviews

[Sarah loves books 😻😻😻 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A difficult read due to the complex government structures and legal frameworks it deals with - can only recommend to the well informed layperson who either has prior knowledge and/or is very determined to learn more.

[Kel Lizarazo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my personal research to learn more about the Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders.

I learned about their pain, frustrations and their wishes to close the gap at same time that their choices of lifestyle are respected.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fair, nuanced view of the issues both past and present. Quite a bit of legal jargon and historical context. Not an easy read but a good informative book.