The Prime Minister announced today that the Government had decided to establish a centre for Aboriginal studies.. The centre would be known as "The Australian Institute for Aboriginal Studies".
Opportunities for further study and understanding of the unique culture of Australia's aborigines are dwindling rapidly with the passage of time. With this in mind, the Government has decided that it should help to stimulate further studies in the field. The Prime Minister stressed that it was the scientific, cultural and anthropological aspects of the field to which the new body would direct its attention.
As a first step, an Interim Council has been appointed to handle and develop these activities until a permanent body is established, and to advise on the functions and scope of the new body. The Interim Council will work in close co-operation with State authorities, with museums and with Universities.
Members of the Interim Council are:
Professor A. D. TRENDATL, C. M. G. ( Chairman) Master of University House, Australian National University.
Dr. W. E. H. STANNER, Department of Anthropology, Australian National University.
Professor A. A. ABBIE, Professor of Anatomy and Histology, University of Adelaide.
Professor G. LAWTON, Professor of Geography, University of Adelaide.
Dr. A. CAPELL, Department of Anthropology, University of Sydney.
Professor F. J. FENNER, Professor of Microbiology, Australian National University.
Mr. A. F. DEER, General Manager, the M. LC, Assurance Co. Ltd.
Mr. F. D. McCARTHY, Curator of Anthropology, The Australian Museum, Sydney.
Emeritus Professor A. P. ELKIN, Former Professor of Anthropology, The University of Sydney.
Professor R. M. CRAWFORD, Professor of History, The University of Melbourne.
Dr. D. F. THOMSON, Department of Anthropology: University of Melbourne.
Professor J. BURKE, Professor of Fine Arts, University of Melbourne.
Mr. W. C. Wentworth, MP.
Mr, J. N. NELSON, M. P.
Mr. R. J. RANDALL, Department of the TREASURY.
Mr. E. J. B. FOXCROFT, Prime Minister's Department,
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the appointment of this widely representative Interim Council and the establishment of an Institute of Aboriginal Studies would lead to fruitful combined efforts to preserve and increase our knowledge in this important field.
CANBERRA.
9th January, 1963