eed incur social reform. In 1943, two aboriginal people were elected to the Aboriginal Welfare Board (previously Aboriginal Protection Board), one of whom being William Ferguson. While they were not able to suddenly make dramatic changes they were able to raise many controversial issues. Their presence alone signified that aborigines were starting to break free from their strict oppression. Many Aborigines were still living in poverty and squalor in 1945, but the fact that a few were living reasonably is and improvement from 1900. Conditions had improved for Aborigines in that massacres and blatant violence was no longer as commonplace, but aborigines were still highly persecuted. In society many still regarded them as inferior and there was obvious inequality in the workplace and the community. Economy had changed little for aborigines in this period as they didnt really have one at the start or at the end, being restricted to reserves or paid in goods being a normal part of aboriginal life. But with aboriginal activists such as William Ferguson emerging and groups such as the Australia Progressive Association, there were people who had emerged willing to fight for the rights of the Aboriginal people. Protest and appeals were shown to pay off in these early days of Aboriginal social reform. The Government Aboriginal policy in 1945 had evolved to one of welfare, a vast improvement from the assimilation and protection policies of previous years. In 1945 the actual situation had changed little for aborigines since 1900 but it was obvious to see that future change was inevitable. Although a start to recognition of injustices to aboriginal people had been made, huge problems remained and restrictions continued. Aborigines hadnt gained many rights or comforts in 1945, let alone repudiation, but the one thing they gained which would later gain them the rest was a voice....
