This article outlines the failures of the NSW 'Aborigines' Protection Board and explores some of the assumptions about gender that are built into our understanding of the Stolen Generations. 

Victoria Haskins, ‘"Could you see to the return of my daughter": Fathers and daughters under the New South Wales Aborigines Protection Board child removal policy’ (2003) 34(121) Australian Historical Studies 106

The Aborigines Protection Act 1909 (NSW) was the first law in NSW that specifically authorised the removal of Aboriginal children from their families. It continued to exercise control over Aboriginal people and their children until 1969. Separate systems of child welfare existed for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children throughout this period.

'Protection' and assimilation era child removals

Many Aboriginal children removed from their families were forced to undertake apprenticeships and domestic service. Even before the Aborigines Protection Act 1909 (NSW) commenced, the Aborigines Protection Board and Aborigines Protection Association had the practice of apprenticing out Aboriginal children.

Apprenticeships and service

Laws and policies specifically forced Aboriginal children into apprenticeships and domestic servitude.

Apprenticeships and service under the Aborigines Protection Act

The lack of records during the period 1788 to 1908 makes it difficult to determine what, if any, laws or policies governed the removal of Aboriginal children from their families during this period. However, from the earliest years of the colony, Government practices resulted in children being separated from their...

Document

Victoria Haskins, ‘"Could you see to the return of my daughter": Fathers and daughters under the New South Wales Aborigines Protection Board child removal policy’ (2003) 34(121) Australian Historical Studies 106

'Protection' and assimilation era child removals

Apprenticeships and service

Apprenticeships and service under the Aborigines Protection Act

Apprenticeships and service under the Aborigines Protection Act

Early child removals