Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Politics
Bain Munro Attwood, Professor of History, Monash University

90 years ago, Yorta Yorta leader William Cooper petitioned the king for Aboriginal representation in parliament

Cooper walking on Nicholson Street Footscray. Obtained with permission. Esmay Mann Collection.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people.

Ninety years ago, Yorta Yorta leader William Cooper dreamed of Aboriginal people being represented in the Commonwealth parliament. In August 1933, he set about petitioning the British king, George V. The key demand was for:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.