http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/life-devoted-to-human-rights/story-e6frg6nf-1111118664725
ASKED to sum up a rich and eventful life, Faith Bandler has no trouble.
“Human rights for those who have been deprived of them,” she says. “That is what my life has been about.”
Ms Bandler, 88, a pivotal figure in the history of Aboriginal activism, has been made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her service to the community through the advancement of human rights and social justice.
Ms Bandler’s father was a South Sea Islander who worked in the sugarcane fields of north Queensland. While working in the Australian Women’s Land Army during World War II, Ms Bandler and other indigenous workers were paid less than their white counterparts. She later campaigned for equal pay for all.
During the 1950s, Ms Bandler worked with the Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship and the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
It was in this period, in the lead-up to the 1967 referendum, that she organised massive petitions and hundreds of town hall meetings to push for fair treatment of indigenous people.
The referendum abolished the state laws under which Aboriginal people were forced to live, and brought them under federal jurisdiction. The referendum passed with 90.2per cent in favour, but Ms Bandler recalls being “edgy” and pessimistic it would pass.
“I was amazed,” she told The Australian yesterday. “It was a 10-year battle. They were then able to qualify for the benefits that flowed from the federal government. It wasn’t easy, but we had to enlighten the people about the goals we had set ourselves, and toinform the public how disadvantaged the true owners of the land were.
“They were basically shut away on reservations, having to get permission to move off and to move on. There has been a lot of progress since. It’s all about human rights.”
Ms Bandler said there was a profound change in Australia during that time, and the country was much better off as a result.
“There was an awakening in Australia,” she said. “During that period people were awakened to the fact that the land had been taken from the original owners, and that they were badly treated.
“It made the citizens of the country better citizens, more thoughtful of others.”
Ms Bandler says she is now far removed from the tough times, living comfortably on Sydney’s north shore. She is also modest about her achievements.
“I don’t see it as a particular path,” she said. “I think of others who have put a lot into making this a worthwhile country, who are not recognised, the plodders. They keep the wheels turning, many ordinary, everyday people … who make the country a better country for everyone.”
Ms Bandler has been married to Hans Bandler for 57 years.