Historical Context (Reasons for enlistment)

• Patriotism


  Many Indigenous Australians felt a strong sense of duty to serve their country, motivated by patriotism and a desire to defend Australia against threats during the war.
• Desire for equality


  Some saw military service as an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and earn respect, hoping that their contributions would lead to greater recognition and rights for Indigenous peoples in Australia.
• Economic opportunities


  Enlistment provided financial benefits, including pay and allowances, which could help support families and communities during difficult economic times.
• Resistance to discrimination

  Some Indigenous Australians viewed military service as a way to challenge the prevailing stereotypes and discrimination, proving their loyalty and commitment to Australia.
• Some other reasons

  • access to education
  • better pay and respect
  • greater equality
  • joining up with friends or family
  • patriotism
  • seeking adventure and free
• Many also wanted to escape the Government policy and state protection acts that were laws that controlled Indigenous people's rights which included:

  • drink
  • earn a living
  • marry
  • own a dog
  • travel within and across states
  • vote
  • and allowed authorities to remove Aboriginal children from their families
  • excluded from churches, cinemas, hairdressers, schools, shops, and swimming pools
• By the 1940s, Aboriginal people faced discrimination and stereotypes that limited their doing and rights

  • both men and women had limited work opportunities
  • girls trained for domestic service and often were sent far away from their homes to work for non- Indigenous families
  • men worked as labourers
  • Nearly all cases, Indigenous workers received less pay than other workers or not paid at all
  • because of these factors, many Aboriginal people continued to live in poverty, have poorer access to education, health care, housing and services.
• Pay

  For Aboriginal people pay during the war, was far less than the non- Indigenous workers however for many it was the first time they had earned a cash wage. Food, housing and welfare services were provided by the Army which was far better than Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isalnder peoples had experienced before the war.