Remembering our indigenous veterans

When World War I was declared, thousands of Australians signed up to fight. Among them were more than 1,000 indigenous Australians, many of whom used false names and backgrounds to circumvent the laws that prevented them enlisting.

At home, these men had few rights, were paid low wages, could not vote and were not counted in the census. And while indigenous Australians were rejected out of hand at the beginning of the war, by 1917 the Government allowed some to enlist, providing the examining Medical Officers were satisfied that at least one of their parents was European. 

Once in the AIF, these soldiers had their first taste of equality, with equal pay – 6 shillings per day – and little prejudice. What mattered on the battlefield was courage, endurance and mateship, not skin colour.

But they returned home to continued discrimination. They were not even afforded the same entitlements as other returned servicemen.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have served in every war and conflict since, protecting their country alongside those who came to its shores more recently. They have made – and continue to make – an invaluable contribution to the defence of our nation.

At 11am on 29 May, RSL Queensland will host the annual Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony in Brisbane’s ANZAC Square to honour the service and sacrifice of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service people, past and present.