Trade unions in Australia began forming in the early 19th century, as workers sought fair wages, safer conditions, and limits on working hours. By the late 1800s, unions had become a powerful force, contributing to the formation of the Australian Labor Party. However, while unions played a major role in improving conditions for many workers, they often excluded Aboriginal people from their ranks.

It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that Aboriginal rights and the union movement began to align more closely. One of the most significant moments was the 1966 Wave Hill Walk-Off (photo above was taken at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the event) , where Gurindji workers, led by Vincent Lingiari, walked off the Vestey cattle station in protest of low wages and poor conditions. While initially seen as an industrial dispute, it soon evolved into a major land rights movement. The trade union movement, particularly the North Australian Workers’ Union and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), strongly supported the Gurindji cause, providing financial and political backing.

Throughout the 1970s and beyond, unions increasingly advocated for Aboriginal rights, supporting campaigns for land rights, equal pay, and cultural recognition. The solidarity between unions and Aboriginal activists helped shape policies and public opinion, leading to milestones such as the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976 and increased awareness of Indigenous disadvantage.

Today, many Australian unions continue to support Aboriginal rights, acknowledging the past exclusion and striving to address systemic inequality. The relationship remains vital in ongoing efforts toward truth-telling, reconciliation, and justice for Indigenous Australians. Together, unions and Aboriginal advocates have forged a path that highlights the power of collective action and solidarity in the pursuit of equity.