This report documents the resolutions passed by the representatives at the Initial Conference on Aboriginal Welfare between the Commonwealth and State Aboriginal Authorities. This conference cemented the government's assimilation policy which paved the way for the removal of Indigenous children from their families. 

Commonwealth of Australia, 'Aboriginal Welfare : Initial Conference of Commonwealth and State Aboriginal Authorities, held at Canberra, 21st to 23rd April, 1937. 

During the 1800s, laws did not specifically restrict family contact. However, the Aboriginal child removal policies of this era were centred around protection and then assimilation, which sought to remove all elements of Aboriginal culture from a child.

Barriers to family contact

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.

Document

Commonwealth of Australia, 'Aboriginal Welfare : Initial Conference of Commonwealth and State Aboriginal Authorities, held at Canberra, 21st to 23rd April, 1937.

Barriers to family contact

Apprenticeships and service