Guide to the Papers of Charles Perkins

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commissioner, ADC, 1988: Tapes of 58^th and 60^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Series 18. Subject files, 1964-89

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

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.

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.

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.

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.