The name is absent

Nevertheless rejection and relegation to reserves was not
consistent. IVhen economic problems arose, identification could
temporarily change and of those who had been confined to
reserves, the lighter coloured were identified by the dominant
group, and required to identify themselves, as white, or non-
Aboriginal .

During the depression at the end of the nineteenth century,
decisions were made whereby people in Victoria formerly classed
as part-Aborigines now became part-European and were expelled from
reserves. All half-castes considered capable of earning their
living were expelled from reserves to towns (Barwick, 1965:99).

Similarly, in South Australia, in 1905 there was a temporary
redefinition, of the identity of people at the Point McLeay mission.
Fourteen skilled part-Aborigines became part-’Europeans’ and were

expelled to get work in outside employment. In the event, white
people refused to employ them, or work with them, and they were
returned to an Aboriginal identification (Jenkin_j1979:212).

Definitions of Aboriginal people as part-European in order to

people, even if skilled and qualified, could often not get jobs

because of prejudice and discrimination.

The Aborigines Act was interpreted and

from one period to another depending on the interests of the
dominant group.

In South Australia the Act of 1911 and the later Act of 1939
designed to ’protect’ Aborigines, in fact impinged on their
freedoms, and segregated them from white society. The Act not
only gave power to remove the ageing to reserves but also gave
the power to remove all Aborigines to reserves and from towns,
which could be declared prohibited areas. Aboriginal children had
to be removed from schools if white people objected.

Later, in war years, when labour was needed, the policy was
ignored and the drift of Aborigines to the cities was countenanced,

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