The commonwealth Franchise Act was enacted on 12th June 1902. The Act allowed non-indigenous women in Australia over the age of 21 the right to vote in state and federal election and stand as candidates in federal elections. It wasn’t until 1962 that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders men and women were granted the right to vote.
A divided nation of male and female Australians prevailed in this democratic nation with a culture of white male total dominance. Famous family conversation from the father were “I’m the head of this house and you all will do as I say” – “Children must be seen and not heard” – “A woman’s place in in the kitchen”. When voting took place, father set the family preference for the polling booth.
Decades of discussion and compromise had a workable Australia until the duopoly parliament power brokers decided to develop Peter Pan stories that have split this nation, targeting our indigenous families by welcoming Australians to Australia.
This short but compelling Australian Black Conservative Cheron Long’s video says it all. Facebook link
