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Peter Read collection of interviews conducted for his book entitled Charles Perkins : a biography [sound recording]
Bib ID 2844533
Format AudioAudio [sound recording]
Author
Read, Peter, 1945-, Interviewer
 
Access Conditions Written permission required from Dr Read for research, personal copies and public use. 
Description 1988-1989 
111 sound tape reels (ca. 102 hrs.) 
Biography/History

Born on June 16, 1936 of Arrernte and Kalkadoon descent at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Aboriginal Reserve, NT, Charles Perkins, Aboriginal activist, was later educated in Adelaide as an apprentice fitter and turner. He played professional soccer with the Pan-Hellenic Club to earn the money to finance his studies in undertaking arts at the University of Sydney and became active in student politics, leading students on a US-inspired freedom ride through rural NSW in an attempt to raise awareness of racial discrimination against Aborigines. He joined the Federal Dept of Aboriginal Affairs in 1969 and appointed Secretary in 1984, Perkins campaigned heavily for Aboriginal rights. Outspoken and often controversial, he resigned in 1988 following a charge of maladministration which was later quashed. In 1993 he was a labelled a traitor for advising the Federal opposition on the native title issue. Some of his career highlights included Chairman of the Aboriginal Development Commission, 1981-1984; Head of the Dept. of Aboriginal Affairs, 1984-1988; Board Member of SBS Television and Radio, 1989-92; Chair of the Arrernte Council of Central Australia from 1991-94; Commissioner and Deputy Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Commission (ATSIC) in 1994-1995.

Notes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this recording may contain names and voices of deceased persons.

Recorded from April 23, 1988 to Oct. 23, 1989 in various locations.

Digital master available National Library of Australia ;

The contents of these interviews were reviewed and edited to form the author's book published in 1990 as: Charles Perkins - a biography.

Subjects Perkins, Charles, 1936-2000.  |  Aboriginal Australians -- Land tenure.  |  Aboriginal Australians -- Legal status, laws, etc.  |  Aboriginal Australians -- Politics and government, -- 1965-  |  Aboriginal Australians -- Government relations.  |  Political activists -- Australia -- Biography.
Other authors/contributors Read, Peter, 1945- Charles Perkins : a biography

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    Copy: Recording
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    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags
    Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and other First Nations people are advised that this catalogue contains names, recordings and images of deceased people and other content that may be culturally sensitive. Please also be aware that you may see certain words or descriptions in this catalogue which reflect the author’s attitude or that of the period in which the item was created and may now be considered offensive.