Making news on this day in 1980 was the announcement that Charles Perkins would soon occupy the highest public service position to be held by an Aboriginal.
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Perkins had been appointed chairman of the new Aboriginal Development Commission. Minister for Aboriginal affairs, senator Fred Chaney said the commission would be chaired by Perkins, who at the time was a deputy secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
Senator Chaney said the establishment of the commission was a "significant milestone in putting the administration of Aboriginal programs in Aboriginal hands. These appointments are a significant step in giving Aboriginals control of a number of existing programs".
The commission would be replacing the Aboriginal Land Fund Commission and the Aboriginal Loans Commission. It would have the power to acquire land for Aboriginal communities and groups, lend money for housing and finance business enterprises.
Perkins had been with the department for 10 years and was experienced in work with Aboriginal organisations. He said the Aboriginal Development Commission was a "magnificent new development in Aboriginal affairs, which I am very proud to be part of".
He also said he regarded the commission as "an independent body with strong grass roots among Aboriginals all over Australia, with representatives of tribal and urban Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, including women".
