Skip to content
Mogged
Indigenous affairsAgency

Aboriginals Department

Office of the Chief Protector of Aboriginals · Northern Territory Aboriginals Department

1911 – 1939

Department of the Commonwealth's Northern Territory administration, headed by the Chief Protector of Aboriginals, that administered the Aboriginals Ordinance and exercised wide statutory control over Aboriginal people in the Territory, including reserves, compounds, employment permits and the removal of children.

How it came into existence

Set up in 1911 after the Commonwealth took over the Northern Territory from South Australia on 1 January 1911, under the Aboriginals Ordinance 1911 (NT), which provided for a Chief Protector of Aboriginals; Professor Baldwin Spencer was appointed Special Commissioner and Chief Protector in 1912.

Legislation: Aboriginals Ordinance 1911 (NT); Aboriginals Ordinance 1918 (NT)

Changes during its life

  1. 1918The Aboriginals Ordinance 1918 (NT) replaced the 1911 Ordinance and extended the Chief Protector's powers.
  2. 1927The Northern Territory was divided into North Australia and Central Australia under the Northern Australia Act 1926; Aboriginal administration continued under the Aboriginals Ordinance until the two territories were reunited in 1931.

How it ended

Replaced in 1939 by the Native Affairs Branch of the Northern Territory Administration, headed by a Director of Native Affairs (E. W. P. Chinnery), which was set up to carry out the Commonwealth's 'New Deal' Aboriginal policy announced that year.

  • Replaced by Native Affairs Branch · 1939
    • Administration of the Aboriginals Ordinance
    • Aboriginal reserves and institutions

Main functions

  • Legal guardianship of Aboriginal people under the Aboriginals Ordinance
  • Administration of Aboriginal reserves, compounds and institutions
  • Permits and licences for the employment of Aboriginal workers
  • Removal and institutional care of Aboriginal children
  • Distribution of rations, blankets and medical aid
  • Supervision of missions

Where it sits

Last in the portfolio of Department of the Interior.

Lineage

Loading lineage…

Sources

Some dates or links for this organisation are uncertain. Corrections are welcome.