Task 3. Mabo film analysis
10 Sources Analysis Answer Guide
Don’t forget: Quote often and begin your response with name of the author, not the Source number. Put the source number in brackets at the end of the quote/paraphrasing.
For example:
This is supported by Jones who states that 'History students would be more popular at parties if they used this method.' (Source 3)
More successful responses:
contain relevant evidence (quotes and observations) from sources when required.
Less successful responses
provide responses without reference to any evidence from the source
state that sources are limited without explaining why using evidence
do not assess the nature of sources clearly
do not explain how the nature and origin of the sources are a strength or limitation
do not include the source in the response.
Mabo film analysis
Eddie Koiki Mabo was a Torres Strait Islander man who played a pivotal role in Australian history by challenging the legal doctrine of terra nullius. Born on June 29, 1936, on Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait, Mabo grew up deeply connected to his Meriam culture and land. In 1982, Mabo and four other Mer Islanders initiated a legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their ancestral lands. This case, known as the "Mabo Case," lasted for ten years. On June 3, 1992, five months after Mabo's death, the High Court ruled in favour of the plaintiffs, recognising for the first time in Australian law the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their traditional lands. This landmark decision overturned the concept of terra nullius and led to the Native Title Act 1993.
Source questions - Download the questions here
In the film Mabo, what were some of the experiences of discrimination/paternalism that led to Eddie Mabo joining the Aboriginal Advancement League in Cairns? (2 mark)
Use examples to describe how Mr Mabo proves his ongoing connection with the land of Mer Island (3 marks)
What conclusions can be drawn from the film about the legal and social status of Australian Aboriginals before the Mabo decision in 1992? (3 marks)
How does the film explain the legal concept of terra nullius and its impact on Aboriginal land rights. (3 marks)
Assess the usefulness and limitations of using the film Mabo as a source of evidence for an historian investigating the Mabo decision and the fight for the recognition of land rights. In your response consider content, and reliability. (4 marks)
Using your own knowledge and with direct reference to the film, Mabo, evaluate the following proposition.
The Australian High Court decision to overturn terra nullius was only relevant to the Meriam people of North Queensland. (5 marks)