Takeover

On 13th March, 1978 the Queensland government announced its intention to take over the management of the Aurukun Aboriginal Reserve from the Uniting Church. The people of Aurukun complained bitterly, believing that the Church was more sympathetic to their aims and fearing that the State was merely seeking easier access to the rich bauxite deposits on their Reserve. When the Federal Government took the side of the Aurukun people the stage was set for national confrontation. Shows the situation at Aurukun during those crucial three weeks.