Faith Bandler, Australian activist and author (b. 1918)

Faith Bandler (27 September 1918 – 13 February 2015), born Ida Lessing Faith Mussing, was a towering figure in Australian civil rights history, celebrated for her unwavering dedication to justice and equality. As a prominent activist with a unique heritage encompassing South Sea Islander and Scottish-Indian roots, Bandler's life was a testament to the power of persistent advocacy. She is profoundly remembered for her instrumental leadership in the momentous campaign that culminated in the 1967 referendum, a pivotal moment that significantly advanced the rights and recognition of Indigenous Australians.

The Diverse Roots of a Civil Rights Leader

Born Ida Lessing Faith Mussing, Faith Bandler's identity was deeply shaped by her extraordinary background. Her mother, Ida Mussing, was of Scottish-Indian descent, while her father, Peter Mussing, was a South Sea Islander who had been forcibly brought to Australia from Ambrym Island in Vanuatu as part of the indentured labour trade, often referred to as "blackbirding," during the late 19th century. This traumatic history of his people profoundly influenced Bandler's lifelong commitment to social justice.

The experiences of her South Sea Islander family, who were subjected to systemic discrimination and exploitation, alongside her Scottish-Indian heritage, instilled in Bandler a profound empathy and a burning desire to fight for the rights of marginalized communities in Australia. This personal connection to historical injustices would become the bedrock of her activism.

Championing Indigenous Australian Rights: The 1967 Referendum

Faith Bandler emerged as one of the most effective and passionate campaigners for the rights of Indigenous Australians. Her activism came at a time when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples faced severe discrimination, lacked basic citizenship rights, and were largely excluded from national life and decision-making processes.

Leading the Charge for Constitutional Change

Bandler's most celebrated achievement was her unparalleled leadership in the decade-long campaign for the 1967 referendum. As the secretary of the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI) – Australia's leading Indigenous rights organization at the time – and a co-founder and president of the NSW Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship, she spearheaded efforts to educate the public and lobby politicians. Her tireless work involved extensive travel, public speaking engagements, and the meticulous coordination of a nationwide movement.

The referendum sought to amend two crucial sections of the Australian Constitution:

• It proposed to remove the words "other than the aboriginal race in any State" from Section 51(xxvi), the 'races power'. This amendment would allow the Commonwealth Parliament to make specific laws for Aboriginal people, empowering the federal government to address issues directly affecting Indigenous communities nationwide, rather than leaving it solely to individual states.
• It aimed to repeal Section 127, which stipulated that "in reckoning the numbers of the people of the Commonwealth, or of a State or other part of the Commonwealth, aboriginal natives shall not be counted." Repealing this section ensured that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be included in official population counts, thereby granting them full recognition as citizens of Australia in the national census.

The referendum, held on 27 May 1967, resulted in an overwhelming "Yes" vote, with over 90% of Australians supporting the changes. This unprecedented mandate marked a watershed moment, symbolizing a significant shift in public attitude and paving the way for improved legislative frameworks for Indigenous Australians. It is crucial to note that while the referendum provided a pathway for the Commonwealth to make laws, it did not grant voting rights, as these had been incrementally achieved through various state and federal legislation, culminating in full federal voting rights for all Indigenous Australians in 1962.

Advocacy for South Sea Islanders: Recognising a Distinct Heritage

Beyond her work for Indigenous Australians, Faith Bandler also dedicated herself to securing justice and recognition for her own people, the Australian South Sea Islanders. Understanding their unique history of forced labour and subsequent marginalization, she became a fierce advocate for their distinct cultural identity and rights.

In 1994, Bandler co-founded and served as president of the Australian South Sea Islanders United Council (ASSIC). Through ASSIC, she tirelessly campaigned for official recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct ethnic group, distinct from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and for an acknowledgement of the injustices they suffered. Her efforts eventually led to the official recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct group in 1994 by the Commonwealth Government, a significant step towards addressing historical grievances and supporting their cultural preservation.

A Lasting Legacy of Courage and Change

Faith Bandler's profound impact on Australian society is undeniable. Her visionary leadership, strategic advocacy, and tireless commitment to human rights left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of activists. She received numerous accolades for her contributions, including:

• Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1984, for her service to the community.
• Australian Human Rights Medal in 1997, recognizing her lifelong dedication to human rights.
• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2000, for her distinguished service to the advancement of human rights and social justice.

Bandler's legacy endures as a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for equality and recognition for all Australians, particularly those whose voices have been historically silenced.

Frequently Asked Questions About Faith Bandler and the 1967 Referendum

Who was Faith Bandler?

Faith Bandler was a highly influential Australian civil rights activist of South Sea Islander and Scottish-Indian heritage. She is primarily known for her pivotal leadership in the campaign for the 1967 referendum, which led to significant constitutional changes regarding Indigenous Australians.

What was Faith Bandler's role in the 1967 referendum?

Faith Bandler was a key organizer and leader in the campaign for the 1967 referendum. As secretary of FCAATSI and president of the NSW Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship, she played a crucial role in public education, political lobbying, and coordinating the national "Yes" vote campaign that resulted in an overwhelming endorsement of constitutional reform.

What did the 1967 referendum achieve for Indigenous Australians?

The 1967 referendum achieved two main constitutional changes: it allowed the Commonwealth government to make specific laws for Aboriginal people (by amending Section 51(xxvi)) and ensured that Aboriginal people would be counted in the national census (by repealing Section 127). These changes granted greater federal responsibility and recognition to Indigenous Australians.

Did the 1967 referendum grant Indigenous Australians the right to vote?

No, the 1967 referendum did not grant Indigenous Australians the right to vote. Voting rights for Indigenous Australians were granted incrementally by various state and federal legislation, with full federal voting rights extended to all Indigenous Australians in 1962, five years before the referendum.

What other activism was Faith Bandler involved in?

Beyond her work for Indigenous Australians, Faith Bandler was a dedicated advocate for her own community, the Australian South Sea Islanders. She co-founded the Australian South Sea Islanders United Council (ASSIC) and successfully campaigned for their official recognition as a distinct ethnic group by the Commonwealth Government in 1994.