The Macassan–Aboriginal relationship and the Commonwealth of Australia 1901–1906

Abstract

The relationship between Macassan trepangers and Aboriginal people became a political issue for the Commonwealth of Australia between 1901 and 1906. The cultural interchange between these groups, and how their interactions were understood and acted upon by white Australian society, has been the subject of academic investigation. This article builds upon existing research and highlights that in the final years of the trade the Macassan–Aboriginal relationship raised diplomatic, constitutional and political questions for the Commonwealth before the trade was ended in 1906. The Commonwealth’s position has not been widely understood and is noteworthy for its disinterest and unwillingness to act against the trade.