Why did Aboriginal people set up a Tent Embassy in 1972?

In 1972 Aboriginal people established a Tent Embassy on the lawns of Parliament House. They were protesting about the Commonwealth Government refusing to grant land rights (native title) to the traditional owners. The incident was designed to embarrass the government into action. Attempts to legislate against the Tent Embassy and then actions by the police only led to further public support, particularly amongst indigenous peoples. This source-based task is designed for students of the History K-10 Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.

Stage 5
Depth Study 4: Rights and Freedoms