Peter Rice interviewed by Ann-Mari Jordens in the Bringing them home oral history project [sound recording]

Rice spent 14 years in the Navy from 1946, before studying social work at the University of Adelaide as part of a cadetship with the South Australian Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA). Rice was employed as a social worker with the DAA over the period 1962-67. In 1963, he managed the Campbell House Training Farm for Aboriginal boys near Meningie, S.A., before recommending its closure. He then went to work at Musgrave Park Reserve. Rice was the social worker responsible for child removal and worked closely with the Department of Social Services.

Rice discusses the procedure as well as the agencies involved in removal; the problem of securing informed consent; his duties as Welfare Officer; the replacement of assimilation policy with a policy of integration in the 1960s and some of its practical effects; his work with police and court officials; his view of Don Dunstan as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; and his particular role at meetings of state directors and Ministers for Aboriginal Affairs in preparation for the 1967 Referendum.