Self-determination relates to people’s fundamental human right to shape their own lives and place in society, and it can mean different things to different groups of people. It is recognised in international human rights law. You can learn more about self-determination in the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The 1972 election of the government of The Hon. Gough Whitlam led to the introduction of a policy of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This policy was the culmination of sustained advocacy and grassroots campaigning by Aboriginal activists and their supporters.
The Whitlam Government’s policy aimed to restore to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people their power of self-determination in economic, social and political affairs. This meant enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be involved in decision making about, and the management of, their own affairs; and removing barriers to equal opportunity in areas such as housing, health, education, job training and employment.