Guide to the Papers of Charles Perkins

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MS 8047

National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record

Collection Summary

Creator
Charles Perkins
Title
Papers of Charles Perkins
Date Range
1956 - 1993
Collection Number
MS 8047
Extent
10.5 metres (75 boxes + 1 large folio box + 2 sound/av carriers)
Language of Materials
English
Repository
Special Collections (Manuscripts)

Introduction

Scope and Contents

The papers of Charles Perkins contain correspondence, cuttings, subject files, reports, meeting papers, cassette tapes, copies of official records, inquiry transcripts, speeches, photographs and printed matter documenting his life and career from his early sporting achievements in the 1950s until his consultancy work in the early 1990s.

The collection contains material relating to Perkins' involvement in a range of Aboriginal organisations including Student Action for Aborigines, the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI), Aboriginal Publications Foundation, National Aboriginal Sports Foundation, Aboriginal Hostels Limited and the John and Anna Memorial Trust Fund. There are also papers on his career in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal Development Commission.

Also included in the collection are papers relating to Perkins' involvement in soccer, both as a player and administrator, and legal papers relating to defamation cases and the inquiries into the administration of Aboriginal affairs.

Conditions Governing Access

Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn532231).

Conditions Governing Use

Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.

Preferred Citation

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Charles Perkins, National Library of Australia, MS 8047, [box number and series and/or file number]'.

Provenance

The papers were donated to the Library by Charles Perkins in five instalments between 1989 and 1995.

Papers relating to Dr Peter Read's book Charles Perkins: a biography are held at MS 8430. An oral history interview by Dr Read with Perkins conducted in 1988-89 for his biography is held at ORAL TRC 2303/13. Interviews with other interviewees for the biography are also held at ORAL TRC 2303.

Arrangement

When the papers were received by the Library, the majority of the contents were filed, but were not arranged in any particular order. Exceptions to this are the semi-official correspondence (series 2) and the chronological cuttings files (series 20, folders 46-51), which were arranged in chronological sequences. The bundles of cuttings listed by subject formed a discrete group, as did much of the material on inquiries into Aboriginal affairs and the consultancy papers. Other series were created by Library staff.

Separated Materials

Three official files were removed from the Perkins Papers and sent to the National Archives of Australia.

Biographical Note

Charles Nelson Perkins was born on 16 June 1936 at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Aboriginal reserve, the son of Martin Connolly (of Kalkadoon descent) and Hetti Perkins (of Arrernte descent). He was educated at the reserve, at Le Fevre Boys' Technical School (Adelaide), the Metropolitan Business College, Sydney (1961) and the University of Sydney, where he graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts. He married Eileen Munchenberg on 23 September 1961 and had two daughters (Hetti and Rachel) and one son (Adam). Perkins was awarded Jaycees Young Man of the Year in 1966, Aborigine of the Year in 1993 and the Order of Australia in 1987. Perkins' autobiography, A bastard like me was published by Ure Smith in 1975. Charles Perkins: a biography by Dr Peter Read was published in 1990.

Perkins died in 2000.

Career

DateEvent
1952-57Apprentice Fitter and Turner, British Tube Mills (SA)
1963-65President, Student Action for Aborigines
1965Led 'freedom ride' through northern New South Wales rural towns publicising discrimination against Aboriginal people
1965-69Manager, Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs
1965-78Member, Federal Council for Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (renamed the National Aboriginal Islanders Liberation Movement in 1975)
1967Vice-Chairman, National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NSW)
1968-70Trustee, National Aboriginal Tribal Council
1969-71Research Officer, Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
1971-72Senior Research Officer, Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
1969-79Secretary, National Aboriginal Sports Foundation
1970-79Trustee, Aboriginal Children's Advancement Society (NSW)
1970-75Secretary, Aboriginal Aged Persons Homes Trust
1973-82Chairman, Aboriginal Hostels Ltd
1973-75Assistant Secretary, Liaison and Consultation Branch, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1975-80Secretary and Public Officer, Aboriginal Publications Foundation (Inc.)
1976Assistant Secretary, Coordination and Strategy Branch, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1976-86Chairman, National Aboriginal Sports Council
1977Assistant Secretary, Research and Overview Branch, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1978First Assistant Secretary, Policy Division, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1979-81Deputy Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1980-84Chairman, Aboriginal Development Commission (part time)
1982Administrator, John and Anna Woods Trust Fund
1983Member, Education Task Force (SA)
1984-88Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Canberra
1984-88President, Arrernte Council of Central Australia
1989-92Board Member, SBS Television/Radio
1989-2000Director, Charles Perkins and Associates, Consultants
1990-92Member, Australia Council Aboriginal Arts Committee
1991-2000Member, Olympic Bid Committee, Sydney 2000
1991-2000Chairman, Arrernte Council of Central Australia
1994-95Commissioner and Deputy Chair, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Commission

Sources

Who's who 1999

Monash biographical dictionary of the 20th century, 1994

Read, Peter Charles Perkins: a biography (Ringwood, Vic.: Viking, 1990)

Charles Perkins Papers (MS 8047)

DateEvent
1952-57Apprentice Fitter and Turner, British Tube Mills (SA)
1963-65President, Student Action for Aborigines
1965Led 'freedom ride' through northern New South Wales rural towns publicising discrimination against Aboriginal people
1965-69Manager, Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs
1965-78Member, Federal Council for Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (renamed the National Aboriginal Islanders Liberation Movement in 1975)
1967Vice-Chairman, National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NSW)
1968-70Trustee, National Aboriginal Tribal Council
1969-71Research Officer, Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
1971-72Senior Research Officer, Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
1969-79Secretary, National Aboriginal Sports Foundation
1970-79Trustee, Aboriginal Children's Advancement Society (NSW)
1970-75Secretary, Aboriginal Aged Persons Homes Trust
1973-82Chairman, Aboriginal Hostels Ltd
1973-75Assistant Secretary, Liaison and Consultation Branch, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1975-80Secretary and Public Officer, Aboriginal Publications Foundation (Inc.)
1976Assistant Secretary, Coordination and Strategy Branch, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1976-86Chairman, National Aboriginal Sports Council
1977Assistant Secretary, Research and Overview Branch, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1978First Assistant Secretary, Policy Division, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1979-81Deputy Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs
1980-84Chairman, Aboriginal Development Commission (part time)
1982Administrator, John and Anna Woods Trust Fund
1983Member, Education Task Force (SA)
1984-88Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Canberra
1984-88President, Arrernte Council of Central Australia
1989-92Board Member, SBS Television/Radio
1989-2000Director, Charles Perkins and Associates, Consultants
1990-92Member, Australia Council Aboriginal Arts Committee
1991-2000Member, Olympic Bid Committee, Sydney 2000
1991-2000Chairman, Arrernte Council of Central Australia
1994-95Commissioner and Deputy Chair, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Commission

Item Descriptions

Series 1. Personal correspondence, 1962-93

Correspondence files, arranged chronologically. The files contain correspondence with the Australia Council and reader responses regarding Perkins' autobiography A bastard like me, letters of congratulation on becoming Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, letters regarding his dismissal from the Public Service in 1988, and responses to an open letter by Perkins to all Aboriginal and Islander people of Australia, 1991. There is also a letter from Harold Holt written after the 1967 referendum. Also included in the files are cuttings, photographs and other papers as well as carbon copies of replies by Perkins. File contents are in original order.

Private papers and National Aboriginal Consultative Council, 1962-75 (File 1) - Box 1

Correspondence, 1965-79 (File 2) - Box 1

Correspondence, 1974-90 including telegrams and letters of support relating to Perkins' criticisms of Senator Cavanaugh in 1974 (File 3) - Box 1

Correspondence including responses to A bastard like me, 1975-76 (File 4) - Box 1

Correspondence, 1980-90 (includes some sealed official papers closed until 2017) (File 5_7) - Box 1

Correspondence on Donald Wilkinson, 1981 (File 8) - Box 1

Letters of congratulation on becoming Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984 (File 9_10) - Box 2

Correspondence, Nov. 1988-89 (File 11_13) - Box 2

Invitations, 1989-90 (File 14_15) - Box 2

National organisation, 1991 (File 16) - Box 2

Correspondence, 1992 (Northern Territory University) (File 17) - Box 3

Correspondence, 1993 (File 18_19) - Box 3

Series 2. Semi-official correspondence, 1976-83

Files of telegrams and correspondence maintained by Perkins while employed by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal Development Commission. The files contain both personal and official material as well as carbon copies of replies.

The personal correspondence includes congratulations on appointments, get well cards, telegrams of support and comments on A bastard like me. The official correspondence relates to Perkins' involvement with the Co-ordination and Strategy Branch, the Research and Overview Branch and the Policy Division of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs as well as the Aboriginal Development Commission. The files for 1980 and 1981 contain DAA and ADC material mixed together. Types of material include itineraries of visits, policy comments, media releases, requests for employment, reports of visits and papers regarding administrative arrangements of the DAA.

Telegrams, 1976-82 (File 1) - Box 4

Telegrams, Nov. 1982 (File 2) - Box 4

Correspondence, 1976-78 (File 3) - Box 4

Correspondence, 1977-78 (File 4) - Box 4

Correspondence, 1978 (File 5) - Box 4

Correspondence, 1979 (File 6) - Box 4

Correspondence, 1980 (File 7) - Box 4

Correspondence, 1981 (File 8) - Box 5

Correspondence, 1982 (File 9_10) - Box 5

Correspondence, 1983 (File 11) - Box 5

Series 3. University of Sydney, 1964-65

Perkins attended the University of Sydney between 1963 and 1965, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology, Sociology, Government and Psychology. He was the first Aboriginal graduate of an Australian university.

The papers comprise lecture notes, notes from readings and essays, mainly in Anthropology and Government.

University of Sydney notes and essays, 1964-1965 (File 1_6) - Box 3

Series 4. Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs, 1964

Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs was formed in Sydney in 1963 to assist urban Aborigines with difficulties regarding housing, employment, education, legal advice, medical assistance and financial matters. Ted Noffs was the Chairman of the Foundation and Charles Perkins and Ken Brindle the vice-chairmen. In 1964 the Foundation launched a Christmas door knock appeal to help pay for the purchase of a building at 810 George Street. The appeal raised £80,000 while the NSW Government donated £10,000. Between 1965 and 1969 Perkins was the Manager of the Foundation.

The series comprises a scrapbook of press cuttings (1964) regarding the living conditions of urban Aborigines, the activities of the Foundation and the 1964 Christmas appeal.

A small quantity of papers concerning the Foundation is held in series 5. Further cuttings are held in series 20.

Scrapbook of press cuttings relating to urban living conditions and the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs, 1964 (File 1) - Folio-Box 1

Series 5. Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA), 1965-66

Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA) was formed at the University of Sydney in 1964, growing from a lunchtime meeting where students considered the problem of racial discrimination in the United States. Student interest in similar problems in Australia led to the formation of SAFA. Objectives of SAFA were: "to arouse public attention, especially within the University to fundamental aboriginal problems in health, education, housing etc; to break down social discriminatory barriers to the extent possible by student actions [and] to stimulate the interest of aborigines in improving their situation within society" (SAFA Constitution).

Perkins was President from 1964-65. In early 1965 Perkins led a 'freedom ride' through northern New South Wales towns including Wellington, Kempsey, Moree and Walgett, surveying Aboriginal residents and drawing attention to the segregation and living conditions of Aboriginal people.

The papers in this series include an article 'Reactions to the SAFA tour' by Jim Spigelman, Dissent (1965), articles published in The Bulletin, a typescript 'Darce Cassidy's freedom ride' (n.d.), cuttings, letters and telegrams in support of SAFA's campaign, draft report by Perkins to FCAATSI, SAFA Constitution, SAFA address list and material on other Aboriginal organisations including FCAATSI and the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs.

Further cuttings relating to the freedom rides are held in series 20.

Documents relating to Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA), 1965-66 (File 1_2) - Box 6

Series 6. Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI), 1967-77

The Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines (FCAA) was formed in 1958 at a meeting of representatives of Aboriginal advancement organisations from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. FCAA (later renamed Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders) was formed as a federal organisation to fight for social justice for Aborigines. The objectives of FCAATSI included obtaining legislative reform, land rights and equal wages, and equal access to employment and educational opportunities. FCAATSI was the main organisation behind the 1967 referendum that gave Aborigines full citizen rights and the federal government concurrent powers with the states over Aboriginal affairs.

Perkins was involved in FCAATSI between 1965 until 1978. The papers include minutes of FCAATSI meetings and conferences, 1967-70 and 1977; papers relating to the 1967 Referendum; papers on the push to limit voting rights at FCAATSI meetings to Aboriginal members only; speeches by H.C. Coombs, E.G. Whitlam and others; financial papers (1977) and lists of affiliated organisations.

A small quantity of papers concerning FCAATSI is held in series 5.

Papers relating to Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI), 1967-77 (File 1_3) - Box 6

Series 7. Aboriginal Publications Foundation, 1974-80

The Aboriginal Publications Foundation was incorporated as a company in August 1970. APF published Identity, a quarterly journal of creative writing by Aboriginal people, Aboriginal and Islander forum, a bi-monthly newsletter and various books and other publications by and for Aboriginal Australians.

Perkins was Public Officer of the Foundation in 1976-80.

The papers mainly relate to financial matters and include notes, minutes of Foundation meetings, 1976-78 and 1980, financial statements, papers on Australia Council grants, correspondence of Perkins as Public Officer, 1976-80 and copies of Department of Aboriginal Affairs records regarding the Foundation.

Papers relating to Aboriginal Publications Foundation, 1974-80 (File 1_5) - Box 5

Series 8. National Aboriginal Sports Foundation, 1976-82

The National Aboriginal Sports Foundation was established on 21 October 1969 to advise and organise Aboriginal involvement in sport and recreation in Australia. The Foundation was incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Ordinance of ACT and was funded by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Perkins was the Secretary of the Foundation from 1969 to 1979.

The papers comprise files maintained by Perkins containing both correspondence written to Perkins as Secretary of the Foundation and official papers of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs regarding the Foundation. The files contain correspondence, Aboriginal football team lists, membership details, funding applications and guidelines, agenda (1977), NASF constitution and rules and other papers.

Papers relating to National Aboriginal Sports Foundation, 1976-82 (File 1_2) - Box 7

Series 9. Aboriginal Hostels Ltd, 1975-80

Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) was incorporated on 6 June 1973 by the Commonwealth Government as a public company to deliver services relating to hostel and other temporary accommodation needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. AHL was managed by a Board of Directors responsible to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Perkins was Chairman of AHL in 1973-82.

The papers comprise minutes and agenda items of Directors' Meetings, 1975 and 1979-80; Steering Committee meeting papers, 1975; correspondence received and sent by Perkins as Chairman; papers on the employment of AHL staff; reports on AHL including 'Report of the Inter-departmental Committee on Aboriginal Hostels Limited' (February 1977); financial papers; cuttings; an agreement between AHL and the Commonwealth Government (1977) and other papers.

Aboriginal Hostels Limited, 1975 (File 1_4) - Box 7

Aboriginal Hostels Limited, 1976-77 (File 5) - Box 7

Job applications and resumes, 1977 (File 6) - Box 7

Directors' Meeting, Canberra, 23 Feb. 1979 (File 7) - Box 8

Directors' Meeting, Rockhampton, 26-27 Apr. 1979 (File 8) - Box 8

Directors' Meeting, Katherine and Darwin, 28-29 June 1979 (File 9) - Box 8

Directors' Meeting, Canberra, 20 Aug. 1979 (File 10) - Box 8

Agenda items, Dec. 1980 (File 11) - Box 8

Series 10. Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1970-88

The Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA) was created on 19 December 1972 by the Whitlam Government and succeeded the former Office of Aboriginal Affairs. The DAA was responsible for the development and administration of national policies for the advancement and welfare of Aboriginal people (including the administration of welfare activities in the Territories) and for the administration of special legislation for Aboriginal people. The Department was abolished on 5 March 1990 with the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.

Perkins joined the DAA in 1973 when the staff of the Office of Aboriginal Affairs were absorbed into the new Department and was made head of the Liaison and Consultation Branch. In January 1974 Perkins criticised the Minister, Senator Cavanagh, in the media. Tensions between Perkins and Cavanagh heightened, resulting in Perkins being suspended temporarily in February 1974. In March 1975 Perkins took a year's leave without pay from the Department, during which time he worked on his autobiography and ran unsuccessfully for the Senate.

On 23 February 1976 Perkins returned to the Department, working as Assistant Secretary in the Coordination and Strategy Branch and in 1977 in the Research and Overview Branch. On 1 January 1978 he became First Assistant Secretary of the Policy Division, and in 1979-81 was Deputy Secretary of the Department. After the establishment of the Aboriginal Development Commission in July 1980, Perkins worked as a part-time Chairman of the Commission and at the deputy secretary level as special adviser to the DAA until he was appointed a full-time Commissioner in July 1981.

After his three year term with the ADC, Perkins returned to the DAA as Secretary, a position he held from 29 March 1984 until 1988. On 5 November 1988 he was stood down as Secretary of the Department as a result of allegations of mismanagement in both the Aboriginal Development Commission and the DAA.

The series contains personal files maintained by Perkins during his career with the Department. Many of the files contain official papers including carbon copies of correspondence by Perkins. The series has been arranged by the administrative branches worked in by Perkins. Material that extends across several branches or does not clearly fit into a position held by Perkins has been listed separately.

See series 11 for papers relating to inquiries into the administration of Aboriginal Affairs and series 2 for semi-official correspondence maintained while Secretary of the DAA.

Liaison and Consultation Branch, 1973-75: Papers, 1973, regarding housing and accommodation for fringe communities, Aboriginal welfare officers and the use of consultants for Aboriginal communities (File 1) - Box 9

Liaison and Consultation Branch, 1973-75: Senate Standing Committee on Social Environment, 1973-74 (File 2) - Box 9

Liaison and Consultation Branch, 1973-75: Department of Aboriginal Affairs Newsletter, Feb. 1973 - Mar. 1974 (File 3) - Box 9

Liaison and Consultation Branch, 1973-75: Interdepartmental meeting of the employment training scheme for Aboriginals, 1974 (File 4) - Box 9

Liaison and Consultation Branch, 1973-75: Itineraries, 1974 (File 5) - Box 9

Liaison and Consultation Branch, 1973-75: Transcripts of discussions, Sweden, 1974 (File 6) - Box 9

Liaison and Consultation Branch, 1973-75: Papers, 1973-75, including 'Aims and objectives and the operation of the Consultation Branch' and 'Aborigines and the bureaucracy' (File 7) - Box 9

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Aboriginal Legal Aid Services - Ministerial Conference, 14-15 Oct. 1976 (File 8) - Box 9

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Burgmann College (ACT), 1976 (File 9) - Box 9

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, 1976 (File 10_11) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Devolution, 1976 (File 12) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Finance, 1976 (File 13) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Legal Aid Program, 1976/77 (File 14) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Program documentation, 1976 (File 15) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Queensland Institute of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs, 1976 (File 15) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76:'Report on the development of Aboriginal policy committees...', 1976 (File 15) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Request for information, 1976 (File 15) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Swanee noongars, 1976 (File 16) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Torres Strait, 1974-76 (File 17) - Box 10

Coordination and Strategy Branch, 1974-76: Papers, 1976, regarding allocation of funds (1976/77), statement by R.I. Viner on provision of funds for Aboriginal affairs, 'The area improvement program implementation and financial control' by B. Sheedy and other matters (File 18) - Box 11

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Aboriginal organisations, 1976 (File 19) - Box 11

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Aboriginal overseas conference fund, 1977 (File 20) - Box 11

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Aboriginal Overseas Study Awards Scheme, 1976-77 (File 21_24) - Box 11

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Aboriginal unemployment special works projects, 1977 (File 25) - Box 12

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Australian Administrative Staff College Advanced Refresher Course, 1977 (File 26) - Box 12

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Confidential draft policy statements, 1977 (File 27) - Box 12

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Employment policy for Aboriginals, 1977 (File 28) - Box 12

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Estimates of expenditure 1974 onwards, 1977 (File 29) - Box 12

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Kimberley election, 1977 (File 30) - Box 12

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Northern Rivers College, 1976-77 (File 31) - Box 12

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Notes for meeting of ministers, Central Australia - Pitjantjatjara, 1977 (File 32_33) - Box 12

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77:'Pupunya: history and future prospects', 1977 (File 34) - Box 13

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Research, 1975-77 (File 35_36) - Box 13

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Review of residential colleges (N.T.), 1976-77 (File 37_39) - Box 13

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Turnbull report ('Economic development of Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory' by Shann Turnbull), 1977 (File 40) - Box 14

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: World Council of Indigenous People, 1977 (File 41) - Box 14

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Youth affairs, 1977 (File 42_43) - Box 14

Research and Overview Branch, 1975-77: Miscellaneous papers, 1977 (File 44) - Box 14

Policy Division, 1974-80: Aboriginal Loans Commission, 1974-79 (File 45) - Box 14

Policy Division, 1974-80: Central Land Council, 1976-80 (File 46) - Box 14

Policy Division, 1974-80: Council for Aboriginal Development, Alice Springs, 24-26 July 1978 (File 47) - Box 14

Policy Division, 1974-80: Financial responsibilities in Aboriginal affairs, 1977-79 (File 48) - Box 15

Policy Division, 1974-80: Meeting of State Superintendents of Aboriginal Education, Brisbane, 19-21 June 1978 (File 49) - Box 15

Policy Division, 1974-80: Legal aid, 1977-79 (File 50) - Box 15

Policy Division, 1974-80: Northern Land Council, 1976-77 (File 50) - Box 15

Policy Division, 1974-80: Overseas travel, 1978 (File 51) - Box 15

Policy Division, 1974-80: Papunya Report, 1978-79 (File 52) - Box 15

Policy Division, 1974-80: Regional Directors' Conference, May 1978 (File 53) - Box 15

Policy Division, 1974-80: Report on overseas visit, 14 Aug. - 1 Sept. 1978 and 'A national strategy for Aboriginal development' (revised Sept. 1978) (File 54) - Box 16

Policy Division, 1974-80: 'A strategy for Aboriginal development' by C.N. Perkins, 1977 (File 55_56) - Box 16

Policy Division, 1974-80: Senior officers' meetings, 1977-78 (File 57_59) - Box 16

Policy Division, 1974-80: Training, 1977 (File 60) - Box 16

Policy Division, 1974-80: Training for Aboriginal self-management meeting, 1977-79 (File 61) - Box 17

Policy Division, 1974-80: Miscellaneous, 1978-79 (File 62) - Box 17

Deputy Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1977-80: Aboriginal aged persons - deed of trust, 1979 (File 63) - Box 17

Deputy Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1977-80: Aboriginal Housing Company papers and briefing note, 1980 (File 63) - Box 17

Deputy Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1977-80: Aboriginal Legal Service submission, 1979 (File 64) - Box 17

Deputy Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1977-80: Arrangements and coordination, 1979 (File 65) - Box 17

Deputy Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1977-80: Background notes and fact sheets, 1979 (File 66) - Box 18

Deputy Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1977-80: Background reading for permanent heads, 1980 (File 67_68) - Box 18

Briefings: General briefs, 1979 (File 69_71) - Box 18, 19

Briefings: Prime Minister's visit to the Northern Territory, 24 - 27 Apr. 1978 (File 72) - Box 19

Briefings: Prime Minister's NSW visit, Jan. 1979 (File 73) - Box 19

Briefings: Current briefs, 1979 (File 74) - Box 19

Briefings: Selected briefs from current briefing folder, 1977 (File 75) - Box 20

Briefings: Correspondence (out), Jan. 1979-June 1980 (File 76) - Box 20

Briefings: House of Representatives Standing Committee, Aboriginal access to legal aid, 1979 (File 77) - Box 20

Briefings: House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, 1979 (File 78) - Box 20

Briefings: Medical research, 1977-80 (File 79) - Box 20

Briefings: National Aboriginal Conference, 1979-80 (File 80) - Box 21

Briefings: Race relations in Alice Springs, 1980 (File 81) - Box 21

Briefings: Sacred sites in Alice Springs, 1981 (File 82) - Box 21

Briefings: Miscellaneous papers, 1979-80 (File 83) - Box 21

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, 1987-88 (File 84_86) - Box 21, 22

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: Australian Labor Party platform resolutions and rules and the Prime Minister's policy statement of 23 June 1987 on Aboriginal affairs, July 1987 (File 87) - Box 22

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: Explanatory notes, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1987-88 (File 88) - Box 22

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: 'Murrie television development report', July 1988 (File 89) - Box 22

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: National Aboriginal Conference, 1984-85 (File 90) - Box 22

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: Portfolio developments, 1984 (File 91) - Box 22

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: Portfolio meeting, 28 July 1987 (File 92) - Box 22

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: Public relations (purchase order requests), 1986-87 (File 93) - Box 22

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: Report on the review of the Aboriginal Benefit Trust Account (and related financial matters) in the northern Territory Land Rights legislation by J.C. Altman, 1984 (File 94) - Box 23

Secretary, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-88: Working Group on Indigenous Populations brief and background paper, 1988 (File 95) - Box 23

Administrative files, 1974-87: Conditions of service, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, n.d (File 96) - Box 23

Administrative files, 1974-87: Departmental instructions, 1974-75 (File 97) - Box 23

Administrative files, 1974-87: Disengagement, South East Region, 1976-78 (File 98) - Box 23

Administrative files, 1974-87: Divisional reorganisation, 1977 (File 98) - Box 23

Administrative files, 1974-87: Establishment control procedures, 1975 (File 99) - Box 23

Administrative files, 1974-87: Organisation - Central Office, 1977-79 (File 100) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: Planning Division discussion paper, 1975-79 (File 100) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: Planning Division situation reports, 1976-78 (File 101) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: Portfolio administration and Aboriginal affairs programs and policies, July 1987 (File 102) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: Program summary, 1977 (File 103) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: Proposed functions of Coordination Section, 1976-79 (File 104) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: Public Service Board - Bulletin, 1979 and management consultant's survey, 1974 (File 105) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: The respective roles of the regions and Central Office, 1976 (File 106) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: Review of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, 1986 (File 107) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: 'Review of state programs'(first draft), 1976 (File 108) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: Significant current issues, July 1987 (File 109) - Box 24

Administrative files, 1974-87: States grants draft procedures, 1976 (File 110) - Box 25

Administrative files, 1974-87: Weekly situation reports, 1976-77 (File 111) - Box 25

Administrative files, 1974-87: Miscellaneous papers, 1977-81 (File 112_13) - Box 25

Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council, 1978-86: Brisbane, 1978 (File 114) - Box 25

Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council, 1978-86: Standing Committee of Officers, Adelaide, 17 May 1979 (File 115) - Box 25

Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council, 1978-86: Proceedings of the Council, Adelaide, 18 May 1979 (File 116) - Box 25

Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council, 1978-86: Conference of Ministers, Melbourne, 3 Dec. 1976 (File 117) - Box 25

Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council, 1978-86: Standing Committee of Officers, Hobart, 27 Feb. 1980 (File 118) - Box 25

Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council, 1978-86: Proceedings of the Council, Hobart, 29 Feb. 1980 (File 119) - Box 25

Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council, 1978-86: Standing Committee of Officers meeting 25 June 1986 (File 120) - Box 25

Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council, 1978-86: Proceedings of the Council, 27 June 1986 (File 121) - Box 25

Land rights, 1976-85: Aboriginal land rights legislation, 1985 (File 122) - Box 26

Land rights, 1976-85: Briefing papers - land rights meeting, Sydney, 5-8 August 1976 (File 123) - Box 26

Land rights, 1976-85: Queensland land rights, 1976-81 (File 124_25) - Box 26

Land rights, 1976-85: 'A question of justice' (an examination of the land rights amendments) by John Coldrey, n.d (File 126) - Box 26

Land rights, 1976-85: 'Self-sufficiency (with land rights): second report on Economic development of Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory' by Shann Turnbull, 1978 (File 127) - Box 26

Land rights, 1976-85: Miscellaneous material on land rights, 1976-81 (File 128) - Box 26

National Aboriginal Consultative Council, 1970-77: Minutes, agenda, reports, correspondence, grant applications, election material and other papers (File 129_32) - Box 27, 28

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Aboriginal Affairs Coordinating Council, 1974-76 (File 133) - Box 28

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Aboriginal education, 1974-81 (File 134) - Box 28

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Aboriginal Legal Service, 1976-77 (File 135) - Box 28

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Australian National University, 1974-76 (File 136) - Box 28

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Department of Marine and Harbours, 1972-75 (File 137) - Box 28

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Employment in Aboriginal communities in Central Australia, 1975-78 (File 138) - Box 28

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Health - Dr Cutter's report on Papunya, 1976-77 (File 139) - Box 29

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Objective setting technique, n.d (File 140) - Box 29

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Racial Discrimination Act, 1975-78 (File 141) - Box 29

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Review of Aboriginal Hostels, 1979-80 (File 142) - Box 29

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Regional Directors' Conference, 1977-79 (File 143) - Box 29

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Standing Committee on Coordination, follow up of Prime Minister's trip to Northern Territory, Apr. 1978 (File 144) - Box 29

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Rural Health Seminar, n.d (File 145) - Box 29

Other Department of Aboriginal Affairs papers, 1972-84: Miscellaneous papers, 1975, 1984 (File 146) - Box 29

Series 11. Aboriginal Development Commission, 1978-88

The Aboriginal Development Commission was created on 1 July 1980 as a statutory body under the Aboriginal Development Commission Act 1980. The Commission incorporated the functions of the former Aboriginal Loans Commission and the Aboriginal Land Fund Commission. Functions of the Aboriginal Development Commission included furthering the economic and social development of Aboriginal people by assisting them to acquire land, engage in business enterprises, and to provide and assist in obtaining finance for housing and other needs. The Commission consisted of ten Aboriginal members comprising a Chairman, Deputy Chairman and eight other members appointed by the Governor-General.

Charles Perkins was appointed the inaugural Chairman of the Commission for a four year term from 1980 until 1984. He also served as a part-time Commissioner from May to November 1988. On 5 March 1990, all functions of the Commission were merged into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).

See also series 2 for semi-official correspondence maintained while a member of the ADC. Files relating to the inquires by the Auditor-General and the Senate Privileges Committee into the ADC are in series 12.

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: these papers comprise files maintained by Perkins as Chairman of the Commission in 1980-84. The files contain correspondence, carbon copies of replies by Perkins, minutes, reports, cuttings, press releases, and other papers. The correspondence files are listed first, followed by the remaining material in roughly chronological order.

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Files maintained by Perkins as Acting Commissioner in 1988. The files contain correspondence, minutes and other meeting papers for Commission meetings, subject files, administrative material regarding the Commission and other papers.

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Copies of out-letters, 24 June 1980-4 Aug. 1981 (File 1) - Box 30

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Copies of out-letter, 6 Aug. 1981-22 Mar. 1982 (File 2) - Box 30

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Copies of out-letters, 7 Feb. 1982-5 Nov. 1982 (File 3) - Box 30

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Copies of out-letters, 10 Nov. 1982-30 Dec. 1983 (File 4_6) - Box 30

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Copies of out-letters, 3 Jan.-23 Mar. 1984 (File 7) - Box 31

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Chairman's correspondence- condolence and congratulatory mail, 1983-84 (File 8) - Box 31

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Papers on the establishment of the Aboriginal Development Commission, 1979 (File 9) - Box 31

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Policy papers, 1978-81 (File 10) - Box 31

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Aboriginal Housing Company, 1981; papers re Bulletin article, Sept. 1981 and reports, 1981 (File 11) - Box 31

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: General manager's reports, 1981 (File 12) - Box 31

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: National Aboriginal Conference, Toowoomba, 1981 (File 13) - Box 31

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Regional Directors' Conference, Canberra, 1981 (File 14) - Box 31

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Papers on Ralkon, 1981-82 (File 15) - Box 32

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Sadadeen (Alice Springs), 1981-82 (File 16) - Box 32

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Background information on east side sacred sites - Ewyenper, Atwatye, Sadadeen, 1981-82 (File 17) - Box 32

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Background information - Injalkajanama, 1982 (File 18) - Box 32

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Sacred sites in Alice Springs - general background information, 1982 (File 19) - Box 32

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Canberra Australia Day Council, 1982 (File 20) - Box 32

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Land rights, 1982 (File 20) - Box 32

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Remuneration, ADC Chairman, 1982 (File 20) - Box 32

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: 'Report to the Central Land Council, Alice Springs, N.T. the traditional ownership of Amoonguna' by John Morton, 1982 (File 21) - Box 33

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Minutes, ADC meeting 30 Nov.-2 Dec 1981; financial statements, 1982; minutes, ADC meeting May 1982 (File 22) - Box 33

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Senior officers' meeting, 1982-83 (File 23) - Box 33

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Sacred sites, Alice Springs, 1983 (File 24) - Box 33

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Australian Institute for Aboriginal Studies research grant applications, 1983 (File 25_28) - Box 33, 34

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council, 1983 (File 29_30) - Box 34

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Brief details on Commission properties, 1983 (File 31) - Box 34

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Delta Pastoral Company Pty Ltd, 1983 (File 32) - Box 34

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Discussion paper on national Aboriginal bicentennial objectives, 1983 (File 33) - Box 34

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: 'Aspects of Aboriginal land rights in Australia and overseas' (ADC, 1983) and 'Community profile on properties purchased by the Aboriginal Land Fund Commission and the Aboriginal Development Commission in Western Australia' (File 34) - Box 35

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: 'The land- the people: a submission by the Aboriginal Development Commission to the Western Australia Aboriginal Land Inquiry', Oct. 1983; 'Views of the Commissioners on alcohol related problems and the advertising of alcoholic beverages'; 'Aboriginal achievements and needs', address by Perkins as Chairman, ADC, 4 July 1983; 'Makarrata ideas and proposals 1979-1983: a summary of developments and suggestions', ADC, 1983 (File 35) - Box 35

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Financial and staffing reports, 1983 (File 36) - Box 35

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Papers, 1983-84 including 'Policy submission on strategy for achievement of national Aboriginal bicentennial objectives' and ministerial brief on Treka Aboriginal Arts and Crafts Pty Ltd (File 37) - Box 35

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Aboriginal Affairs Portfolio Meetings, 1983-84 (in carton) (File 38) - Box 43

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: House of Representatives Standing Committee on Expenditure, 1984 (File 39) - Box 35

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: 'Brief information about properties held and/or funded by the ADC', Mar. 1984 (File 40) - Box 35

Chairman, ADC, 1980-84: Aboriginal Land Inquiry, 1984 (File 41) - Box 35

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Correspondence, 1988 (File 42) - Box 36

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: 58th Commission Meeting, Canberra, 14-15 June 1988 (File 43) - Box 36

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: 59th Commission Meeting, Darwin, 27 June-1 July 1988 (File 44_47) - Box 36

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: 60th Commission Meeting, Canberra, 22 July 1988 (File 48_50) - Box 37

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: 61st Commission Meeting, Townsville, 22-26 August 1988 (File 51_54) - Box 37

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: 61st Commission Meeting - late papers (File 55) - Box 37

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: 62nd Commission Meeting, Adelaide, 10-14 Oct. 1988 (File 56) - Box 38

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: 63rd Commission Meeting, Canberra, 20 October 1988 (File 57) - Box 38

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: 64th Commission Meeting, Canberra, 31 October 1988 (File 58) - Box 38

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Tapes of 58th and 60th Commission Meeting, 1988 (File 59) - Box 38

Charles Perkins - recording of 58th and 60th meeting of Aboriginal Development Commission 1988 [1 of 2], 1988 (Item NLA.MS-SAV002741) - Cassette-Box 35
1 item, Unbranded C90, Compact cassette tape
Charles Perkins - recording of 60th meeting of Aboriginal Development Commission 1988 [2 of 2], 1988 (Item NLA.MS-SAV002742) - Cassette-Box 35
1 item, Unbranded C91, Compact cassette tape

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: ADC Annual report, 1986-87; ADC internal telephone directory; ADC news, v.4, no. 2 (File 60) - Box 38

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: ADC corporate plan, 1987-92 (File 61) - Box 38

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: ADC financial delegations (File 62_63) - Box 38, 39

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: General file (File 64_65) - Box 39

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Charleville Aboriginal Housing Company (File 66) - Box 39

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Explanatory notes (File 67) - Box 39

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Housing Conference, Dubbo, 27-28 July (File 68_69) - Box 39

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Housing Conference, Rockhampton, 15-16 Sept. 1988 (File 70_71) - Box 39, 40

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Michael O'Brien matter (File 72) - Box 40

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: 'A conceptual study for the development of the Wiradjuri Cultural and Tourist Centre, Narrandera' by Chris Helyar Design, 1988 (File 73) - Box 40

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Narrandera Tourist Centre (File 74) - Box 40

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Papers relating to the proposal to form ATSIC, 1987-88 (File 75_76) - Box 40

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Copies of letters and reports sent to the Minister and others, 1987-88 (File 77) - Box 40

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Miscellaneous ADC papers, 1988 (File 78) - Box 40

Series 12. Inquiries into the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs, 1980-89

On 14 July 1987 the Prime Minister announced that the existing Aboriginal Affairs portfolio bodies would be replaced by a new statutory commission, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission (ATSIC).

The Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs was established on 1 June 1988 to examine and report upon the Government's proposals for the re-organisation of the administration of Aboriginal Affairs. Part of the Committee's brief was to report on the Government's treatment of the Aboriginal Development Commission and the ten Commissioners. The report was tabled on 28 February 1989.

On 3 November 1988 the Senate referred matters to the Committee of Privileges regarding resolutions passed at Aboriginal Development Commission meetings and inferences of interference with witnesses at Senate Select Committee hearings.

In 1988-89 several other inquiries were conducted into the administration of Aboriginal affairs as a result of allegations made to the Senate Estimates Committee in October 1988. In November 1988 the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Gerry Hand, asked the Auditor-General Jack Taylor to undertake an audit of the Aboriginal Development Commission and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The Public Service Commissioner was instructed to investigate personnel management in the DAA and the Department of Finance investigated staff classification issues and financial management. Mr Andrew Menzies, former Deputy Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department, also began investigations into matters not dealt with by the other inquiries.

The series contains material relating to these inquiries and includes transcripts of evidence, inquiry reports, correspondence, press releases, press cuttings, and legal papers.

Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs - proof copies of Hansard reports of Senate Select Committee hearings: 19-20 July 1988 (File 1) - Box 41

Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs - proof copies of Hansard reports of Senate Select Committee hearings: 19-21 Sept. 1988 (File 2) - Box 41

Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs - proof copies of Hansard reports of Senate Select Committee hearings:Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs, 1988 (File 3) - Box 41

Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs - proof copies of Hansard reports of Senate Select Committee hearings:Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs, 1988-89 (File 4) - Box 41

Senate Committee of Privileges: General background brief, 1988 (File 5) - Box 41

Senate Committee of Privileges: Detailed brief, 1988 (File 6) - Box 41

Senate Committee of Privileges: Senate Privileges Committee - 1st reference - ADC matters, 1987-89 (File 7) - Box 43

Senate Committee of Privileges: Senate Privileges Committee - 2nd reference - background material, 1988 (File 8) - Box 42

Senate Committee of Privileges: Senate Privileges Committee - 2nd reference - trip, 1988-89 (File 9) - Box 42

Senate Committee of Privileges: Submissions by Charles Perkins and the Aboriginal Development Commission, 1988-89 (File 10) - Box 42

Senate Committee of Privileges: Senate Privileges Committee report, June 1989 (File 11) - Box 42

Senate Estimates Committee: Senator Tambling questions on notice, 14 Oct. 1988 (File 12) - Box 42

Senate Estimates Committee: Senator Tambling questions on notice, 17 Oct. 1988 (File 13) - Box 42

Senate Estimates Committee: Senator Short questions on notice plus questions from Senator Baume, 1988 (File 14) - Box 42

Senate Estimates Committee: Questions from Hansard and addenda and supplementary answers, 1988 (File 15) - Box 44

Senate Estimates Committee:'Aboriginal advancement programs performance overviews 1987-88', October 1988 provided for the Estimates Committee (File 16) - Box 44

Senate Estimates Committee: Questions arising from the explanatory notes (File 17) - Box 44

Senate Estimates Committee: Estimates Committee report to the Senate, Nov. 1988 (File 18) - Box 44

Auditor-General special audits: Special audit, ADC, 1980-89 (File 19) - Box 44

Auditor-General special audits: Special audit, ADC, Dec. 1988-Jan. 89 (File 20_21) - Box 44

Auditor-General special audits: Special audit, DAA, Jan. -Apr. 1989 (2 folders) (File 22_23) - Box 44, 45

Auditor-General special audits: Special audit, ADC DAA, Mar.-Apr. 1989 (File 24) - Box 45

Auditor-General special audits: Special audit, ADC DAA, Mar.-May 1989 (2 folders) (File 25_26) - Box 45

Auditor-General special audits: 'Audit of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs- stage 2' (drafts), Jan. 1989; 'A response to the Auditor-General's special audit report of Mar. 1989' (ADC, Apr. 1989); and 'The Auditor-General final report of special audit: The Aboriginal Development Commission and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs', Oct. 1989 (File 27) - Box 45

Public Service Commissioner: Report on allegations about certain aspects of personnel management in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs by Bruce MacDonald, 30 Dec. 1988 and other papers, Nov. 1988-Apr. 1989 (File 28_30) - Box 45

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Taxi fares, Nov. 1988-May 1989 (File 31) - Box 46

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Hetti Perkins material, Nov. 1988-May 1989 (File 32) - Box 46

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Menzies Inquiry, Nov. 1988-June 1989 (File 33) - Box 46

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Inquiries- general-National Library documents, Nov. 1988-June 1989 (File 34) - Box 46

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Menzies Inquiry, May-June 1989 (File 35) - Box 46

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Menzies report, June 1989 (File 36) - Box 46

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Menzies Inquiry, June-July 1989 (File 37) - Box 47

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Transcript of proceedings, 20 April - 12 May 1989 (File 38) - Box 47

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Transcript of proceedings, 18 May - 7 June 1989 (File 39) - Box 47

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Transcript of interview with C.N. Perkins, 8 June 1989 and transcript of interview between A. Menzies and D. McDonald, 7 June 1989 (File 40) - Box 47

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Statements by Ken Bond, Clifford Fua, Malcolm Gooda, Phillip Hall, James Halloran, Gerry Hand, ViliaMarcelline, Donald McDonald, Donald O'Rourke, Danny Rose, Edwin Spring, James Wauchope, William Wilson, and Alan Woods (File 41_43) - Box 47

Inquiry into Allegations as to the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs (Menzies Inquiry): Attachments to witness statements as at 4 May 1989 (File 44) - Box 48

Other inquiry papers: Parliamentary statement by the Prime Minister on the administration of Aboriginal affairs, 11 April 1989 (File 45) - Box 48

Other inquiry papers: Press release by Perkins following the Prime Minister's statement and letter by Perkins regarding Current affairs bulletin article by Roger Wettenhall, Feb. 1989 (File 46) - Box 48

Series 13. Charles Perkins and Associates, Consultations, 1980-93 (bulk 1989-93)

Perkins formed his own consulting company in 1989 to advise on matters concerning Aboriginal affairs.

The bulk of the series relates to a consultancy conducted between September and December 1989 to provide advice to the NSW Government on its new directions in Aboriginal affairs and amendments to the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. During October and November 1989, Perkins, supported by an Aboriginal Task Force, conducted a series of consultative meetings with Aboriginal community organisations, Aboriginal Land Councils, representatives of the government, parliamentarians and representatives of various churches.

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: Draft report and recommendations by Charles Perkins and Associates, n.d (File 1) - Box 49

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: Submissions to the Green Paper 'New directions in Aboriginal affairs', 1989 Papers, 1989-90 including draft Cabinet minute 'New directions in Aboriginal affairs in NSW: proposed new Aboriginal Land and Development Act', Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 - Regulation, and Aboriginal Land Rights (Amendment) Bill 1990 (File 2) - Box 49

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: Aboriginal Land Rights legislation, 1983-90 and 'Management philosophy and policies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues' (File 3) - Box 49

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: Papers, 1988-90 including submissions by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and National Farmers Federation, questions in Northern Territory Parliament (1988), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Bill 1989 Second Reading speech, solicitor's accounts and correspondence (File 4) - Box 49

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: Papers, 1980-90 including NSW Land Council amendments suggestions, NSW Government Green Paper 'New directions in Aboriginal affairs' (Feb. 1989), and Aboriginal legislation (File 6_7) - Box 49

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: NSW Land Council - key papers, 1988-90 (File 8_10) - Box 50

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: Anglican Diocese of Sydney, 1989 (File 11) - Box 50

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: Anti-discrimination Board, 1989 (File 11) - Box 50

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: Catholics in Coalition for Justice and Peace, 1989 (File 11) - Box 50

New directions in Aboriginal affairs: National Parks and Wildlife Service, 1988-89 (File 11) - Box 50

Consultation meetings (1989): Northern Tablelands - Tamworth, Armidale (File 12) - Box 50

Consultation meetings (1989): Armidale area (File 13) - Box 50

Consultation meetings (1989): North West Region (File 14) - Box 50

Consultation meetings (1989): Western region (File 15) - Box 51

Consultation meetings (1989): Murray River Region - Moama, WambaWamba (File 16) - Box 51

Consultation meetings (1989): Wiradjuri Region - Cowra, Wagga Wagga (File 17) - Box 51

Consultation meetings (1989): South Coast Region - Wollongong, Nowra (File 18) - Box 51

Consultation meetings (1989): Illawarra and La Perouse (File 19) - Box 51

Consultation meetings (1989): Metropolitan Region - Tranby, Aboriginal Legal Service, Redfern (File 20) - Box 51

Consultation meetings (1989): Western-Metropolitan Region - St Mary's, Campbelltown (File 21) - Box 51

Consultation meetings (1989): Far North Coast Region - Lismore, Barygil (File 22) - Box 51

Consultation meetings (1989): Central Coast Region - Forster, Taree, Kempsey (File 23) - Box 52

Consultation meetings (1989): Far South Coast Region - Moruya, Wagonga, Wallaga Lake (File 24) - Box 52

Consultation meetings (1989): Central Region - Dubbo (File 25) - Box 52

Consultation meetings (1989): Muswellbrook and attendance lists (File 26) - Box 52

Other consultancy papers: Aboriginal Housing Cooperative (Redfern) - possible consultancy, 1990-91 (File 27) - Box 52

Other consultancy papers: NT Office of Local Government, 1992-93 (File 27) - Box 52

Other consultancy papers: Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Corporate Plan, 1993 (File 27) - Box 52

Other consultancy papers: Review of the Aborigianal Non-government Organisation Program, 1993 (File 28) - Box 52

Series 14. John and Anna Woods Memorial Trust Fund, 1986-87

The John and Anna Woods Memorial Trust Fund was set up after the death of Ethel May Woods in 1977. Ms Woods willed part of her estate to be set up as a trust fund in memory of her parents to be used for the welfare of Aboriginal children.

Perkins was the administrator of the John and Anna Woods Trust Fund in 1982 and in 1986-87. The papers comprise files of correspondence received by Perkins as administrator of the Trust Fund, together with carbon copies of replies.

Correspondence relating to the John and Anna Woods Memorial Trust Fund, 1986-87 (File 1_4) - Box 52, 53

Series 15. Australia Council Aboriginal Arts Committee, 1989-90

In 1976 the Australia Council assumed responsibility for the Aboriginal Arts activities of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Perkins was a member of the Committee in 1990-92.

The papers include 'Handbook for members of the Australia Council, its Board and Committees' (1989), 'Policies and procedures of the Australia Council with respect to arts for a multicultural Australia' (n.d.), minutes (1990), address lists and reviews of four Aboriginal cultural organisations: Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (Adelaide), Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Cultural Centre, Aboriginal Cultural Foundation and Woomera Aboriginal Corporation.

Australia Council Aboriginal Arts Committee, 1989-90 (File 1_3) - Box 48

Series 16. Soccer papers, 1958-89

Perkins' participation in soccer began in 1950 when he joined the Port Thistle juniors (Adelaide) in 1950. In 1951 he joined the under 18 State squad and from then on played for a number of teams including International United (Redskins) (1954-55), Budapest (1956-57) and Fiorentina (1957). In 1957 a visiting talent scout for the Liverpool club of Everton offered to pay half of his fair to England to try out for the club. In England he trained for Everton and played for an amateur team Bishop Auckland. Perkins stayed in England until mid 1959 when he refused an offer to play for Manchester United and returned home to play for Adelaide Croatia as captain-coach. After moving to Sydney, Perkins played professional soccer with the Sydney Greek Pan-Hellenic (Sydney Olympic) club in 1961-64.

Perkins maintained his interest in soccer and held numerous positions with sporting organisations including Vice President and member of the Executive of the Australian Soccer Federation, 1986-88; President and Vice-President of the Australian Indoor Soccer Federation; and President and Board member of the Soccer Club of Canberra.

The papers include cuttings, photographs, letters and programs relating to his years as a soccer player and minutes of meetings, correspondence, financial statements, newsletters and other papers relating to his involvement in soccer administration.

Soccer cuttings, 1958-87 (File 1) - Box 53

Soccer papers, 1957-61 including photographs, letters and issues of Soccer news (1960) and programs (File 2) - Box 53

Miscellaneous soccer papers (including Australian Soccer Federation and ACT Soccer Federation), 1974, 1984-89 (File 3) - Box 53

Soccer Club of Canberra, 1979-88 (File 4_5) - Box 54

Australian Indoor Soccer Federation, 1985-86 (File 6) - Box 54

National Soccer League, 1986-88 (File 7) - Box 54

Indoor Soccer, 1989 (File 8) - Box 53

Series 17. Writings by Perkins, 1968-90

This series contains mainly copies and drafts of speeches by Perkins as well as a few articles and other written pieces and the transcripts of two interviews with John Laws. Some files also contain speeches by others, correspondence, notes, cuttings, invitations and articles.

Australian National University Aboriginal seminars, 7 Mar. 1974 (File 1) - Box 55

Speeches, 1976-82 (File 2_3) - Box 55

Speeches, 1983-88 (File 4_5) - Box 55

Speeches, 1988-93 (File 6) - Box 55

Press material and speaking engagements, Nov. 1988-May 1989 (File 7) - Box 56

Press material and speaking engagements, 1989 (File 8) - Box 56

Speeches, 1990 and undated (File 9) - Box 56

Articles, 1968-89 and transcripts of interviews with John Laws, 9 July 1980 and 3 Sept. 1988 (File 10) - Box 56

Series 18. Subject files, 1964-89

General subject files containing cuttings, printed material, articles, letters, minutes, press releases, and other papers.

Aboriginal art/Gary Foley, 1988-89 (File 1) - Box 56

Aboriginal cricket tour, Vic, 1988 (File 2) - Box 56

ATSIC material, 1989 (File 3) - Box 56

American Indians, 1974-78 (File 4) - Box 57

Arakun, 1975-76 (File 5) - Box 57

Australian Administrative Staff College Association, 1973-77 (File 6) - Box 57

Bill of Rights/ Racial Discrimination Bill, 1973-75 (File 7) - Box 57

Bills and Acts, 1964-78 (File 8) - Box 57

Black news service, 1976-77 (File 9) - Box 57

Business cards, n.d (File 10) - Box 57

Cartoons, 1976 (File 11) - Box 57

Central Australian land rights news, 1975-77 (File 12) - Box 57

Katherine Rural College Planning Committee report, 1976 (File 13) - Box 58

Queensland Aboriginal and Islanders Commission, 1976 (File 14) - Box 58

Race relations- Bradford, U.K, 1977-78 (File 15) - Box 58

World vision, 1982 (File 16) - Box 58

Series 19. Legal papers, 1982-92

Files relating to defamation cases and legal expenses incurred by Perkins over the Menzies inquiry and other cases. The cases covered by the series are Charles Perkins v John Fairfax and Sons, a defamation action regarding a Sydney Morning Herald article of 27 June 1984 impugning Perkin's actions as Chairman of the Aboriginal Development Commission; Charles Perkins v Nationwide News Pty Ltd, regarding an editorial and cartoon on Perkins' sacking as Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs featured in the Australian of 11 Nov. 1988; Charles Perkins v BurnumBurnum and Nationwide News Pty Ltd regarding comments by BurnumBurnum on Perkins in The Australian magazine of 1-2 Apr. 1989; and a NSW Judicial Commission investigation into public comments made by Pat O'Shane about Perkins and the administration of Aboriginal affairs.

The files include legal documents, news cuttings, correspondence with his solicitor Peter Hohnen of Macphillamy, Cummins and Gibson, letters of appreciation written by former clients to Peter Hohnen, legal accounts, Hansard extracts, press releases, apology by BurnumBurnum and other background material relevant to the cases.

John Fairfax and Sons, 1984-89 (File 1) - Box 58

Harry Penrith, BurnumBurnum, News Ltd, 1982-91 (File 2) - Box 58

Perkins v Nationwide News Pty Ltd, vol 2, 1985-92 (File 3_6) - Box 58, 59

Pat O'Shane, 1988-89 (File 7) - Box 59

Menzies inquiry, 1989 (File 8) - Box 59

Macphillamy, Cummins and Gibson (solicitors), 1977-89 (File 9) - Box 59

Series 20. Cutting files and press cuttings, 1961-89

The cuttings were received by the Library in three groups: bundles of cuttings with subject headings; a small series of chronological files (1988-89) and a quantity of miscellaneous, loose cuttings. The subject files have been arranged in alphabetical order. The chronological files relate to the period immediately after Perkins' sacking from his position as Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, but also relate to Aboriginal issues generally.

The loose cuttings include articles and features on Perkins and his career and refer to many incidents in Perkins' life including the freedom rides, his graduation from university, the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs 1964 Appeal, the kidnap of Nancy Prasad in 1965, the 1974 hostage incident at the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, his criticisms of Senator Cavanagh in 1974, and the inquiries into Perkins' conduct as Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Other cuttings relate more generally to Aboriginal achievements and issues, particularly in the decade 1965-75.

The cutting files contain some other material as well as cuttings such as press releases, Hansard extracts and booklets.

See also series 16 for soccer cuttings and series 4 for a cutting book on the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs.

Subject files: Aboriginal Advancement League, 1967-83 (File 1) - Box 59

Subject files: Art, 1981-83 (File 2) - Box 59

Subject files: Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, 1969-85 (File 3) - Box 59

Subject files: Australian Labor Party - Aboriginal policy, 1980-84 (File 4) - Box 60

Subject files: Bagot Reserve (N.T.), 1971-80 (File 5) - Box 60

Subject files: Bicentenary, 1981-85 (File 6) - Box 60

Subject files: Black trackers, 1961-85 (File 7) - Box 60

Subject files: Jimmie Blacksmith, 1977-78 (File 8) - Box 60

Subject files: Ernie Bridge, 1977? (File 9) - Box 60

Subject files: Sam Calder, n.d (File 9) - Box 60

Subject files: Central Land Council, 1976-80 (File 10) - Box 61

Subject files: Culture (Aboriginal), 1981-85 (File 11) - Box 61

Subject files: Discrimination bill, 1973-80 (File 12) - Box 61

Subject files: Jack Doolan, 1977-82 (File 13) - Box 61

Subject files: Education, 1974-85 (File 14) - Box 61

Subject files: Education (NT), 1973-83 (File 15) - Box 62

Subject files: Education (Qld), 1974-85 (File 16) - Box 62

Subject files: Employment, 1977-85 (File 17) - Box 62

Subject files: Paul Everingham, 1981-83 (File 18) - Box 62

Subject files: Eye diseases, 1981-85 (File 19) - Box 63

Subject files: Film, 1969-83 (File 20) - Box 63

Subject files: Fringe dwellers, 1977-81 (File 21) - Box 64

Subject files: Bill Grayden, 1980-81 (File 22) - Box 64

Subject files: Al Grassby, 1981 (File 23) - Box 64

Subject files: Ralph Hunt, 1971-79 (File 24) - Box 64

Subject files: John Isaacs, 1977-81 (File 25) - Box 64

Subject files: Les Johnson, 1971-77 (File 26) - Box 64

Bernie Kilgariff, 1977-81 (File 27) - Box 64

Subject files: Land right - pastoral lease, 1957-82 (File 28) - Box 64

Subject files: Letters to editor, Adelaide Advertiser, 1971-83 (File 29) - Box 65

Subject files: Letters to editor, Australian, 1973-84 (File 30) - Box 65

Subject files: Letters to editor, Canberra Times, 1974-84 (File 31) - Box 65

Subject files: Letters to editor, Centralian Advocate, 1972-82 (File 32) - Box 65

Subject files: Letters to editor, Sydney Morning Herald, 1968-83 (File 33) - Box 66

Subject files: Goff Letts, 1976-78 (File 34) - Box 66

Subject files: Liberal Party, 1974-84 (File 35) - Box 66

Subject files: Maralinga, 1984 (File 36) - Box 66

Subject files: Charles Perkins, 1985-86 (File 37) - Box 67

Subject files: Redfern (NSW), 1973-83 (File 38) - Box 67

Subject files: Alan Ridge, 1977-79 (File 39) - Box 67

Subject files: Roebourne (WA), 1974-83 (File 40) - Box 67

Subject files: Lionel Rose, n.d (File 41) - Box 68

Subject files: Roxby Downs, 1983 (File 42) - Box 68

Subject files: Rupert Maxwell Stuart, 1973-81 (File 43) - Box 68

Subject files: Dennis Walker, 1970-82 (File 44) - Box 68

Subject files: Galarrwuy Yunupingu, 1978-83 (File 45) - Box 68

Chronological files: Press cuttings, Nov. 1988-Dec. 1988 (File 46) - Box 69

Chronological files: Press cuttings, Dec. 2-Dec. 22 1988 (File 47) - Box 69

Chronological files: Press cuttings, Dec. 22 1988 - Jan. 31 1989 (File 48) - Box 69

Chronological files: Press cuttings, Jan. 31 - Mar. 11 1989 (File 49) - Box 69

Chronological files: Press cuttings, 15 Mar. - 21 Apr. 1989 (File 50) - Box 70

Chronological files: Press cuttings, 21 Apr. - 21 June 1989 (File 51) - Box 70

Chronological files: CNP dismissal, Nov. 1988-Aug. 1989 (File 52) - Box 70

Loose cuttings: Cuttings (mainly biographical), 1963-1989 (File 53_59) - Box 70, 71

Loose cuttings: Cuttings on Aboriginal issues, 1964-92 (File 60_61) - Box 71

Series 21. Miscellaneous papers, 1956-93

Miscellaneous papers including papers relating to Perkins' candidacy for the Senate election in 1975, papers relating to the awarding of his Order of Australia in 1987, papers relating to overseas trips, 1982-85, papers relating to the biography of Perkins by Dr Peter Read and speeches, articles and other writings by other authors. Most of the papers are arranged roughly chronologically.

Writings by others, 1962-93 (File 1_5) - Box 72 + Folio-Box 1

Miscellaneous papers, 1956-67 (File 6) - Box 72

Personal papers (1963-1967) and photographs (File 7) - Box 72

Papers, 1968-75 (File 8) - Box 73

School syllabus material on Aborigines by Ian Spalding, c. 1970 (File 9) - Box 73

National Tribal Council, 1970-73 (File 10_11) - Box 73

Miscellaneous papers, 1974-75 (File 12) - Box 73

1975 Senate election campaign (File 13_14) - Box 73

'Aboriginal land rights: the view from Australia' by Stephen J. Aronson, 1976 (File 15) - Box 74

Address lists, 1980-81 (File 16) - Box 74

Papers relating to overseas trips to Hawaii (1982), Louisiana World Expo (1984) and New Zealand (1985) (File 17_20) - Box 74

Papers, 1985-88 (File 21) - Box 75

Papers, 1988-89 (File 22) - Box 75

Papers re biography, 1989-90 (File 23) - Box 75

Papers, 1991-93 (File 24_25) - Box 75

Undated papers (File 26_27) - Box 75

Series 22. Publications, 1962-92

A small quantity of publications collected by Perkins, some containing articles on Perkins and the remainder relating to Aboriginal issues. Publications held in the Library's book and serial collections were discarded.

Publications, 1962-92 (File 1_21) - Folio-Box 1


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