View source for Protector of Aborigines

{{Short description|Australian government position involved in dealing with indigenous peoples}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
The Australian colonies in the nineteenth century created offices involved in managing the affairs of [[Indigenous Australians|Indigenous]] people in their jurisdictions. 

The role of '''Protector of Aborigines''' was first established in South Australia in 1836. The role became established in other parts of Australia pursuant to a recommendation contained in the ''Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Aboriginal Tribes, (British settlements.)'' of the UK's [[Parliamentary Select Committee on Aboriginal Tribes]]. On 31 January 1838, [[Charles Grant, 1st Baron Glenelg|Lord Glenelg]], [[Secretary of State for War and the Colonies]] sent [[George Gipps|Governor Gipps]] of NSW the report. The report recommended that protectors of Aborigines should be engaged. They would be required to learn the [[Australian Aboriginal languages|Aboriginal language]] and their duties would be to watch over the rights of [[Indigenous Australians]] (mostly [[Aboriginal Australians|mainland Aboriginal Australians]], but also [[Torres Strait Islander people]]), guard against encroachment on their property and to protect them from acts of cruelty, oppression and injustice.

In many colonial, state, territory and similar jurisdictions a chief protector was appointed.

[[Matthew Moorhouse]] became the first non-interim Protector of Aborigines in [[South Australia]] in 1839. In 1841 he led volunteers who committed the [[Rufus River massacre]], which slaughtered 30 to 40 Aboriginal people.<ref name="SLSA">{{cite web|title=Friction between overlanders and Australian Aboriginals| date=16 July 2007 |url=http://www.samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1322#friction|access-date=28 August 2018|publisher=[[State Library of South Australia]]}}</ref> From the 1890s, the role often included social control up to the point of controlling whom individuals were able to marry and where they lived and managing their financial affairs, through legislation like the [[Half-Caste Act]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}

[[A. O. Neville]] was a notable Chief Protector of Aborigines and later Commissioner of Native Affairs in [[Western Australia]], and was in office from 1915 to 1940. By 1969 all states and territories had repealed the legislation allowing for the [[Stolen Generations|removal of Aboriginal children]] under the policy of protection.{{citation needed|date=September 2012}}

==Protectors of Aborigines==
{{incomplete list|date=January 2016}}
Protectors of Aborigines around Australia included the following:

=== New South Wales, FCT/ACT and Jervis Bay ===
The non-government [[New South Wales Aborigines Protection Association|NSW Aborigines Protection Association]] was established in February 1880,<ref>{{Cite web |title=New South Wales Aborigines Protection Association {{!}} |url=https://williamcooper.monash.edu/people/new-south-wales-aborigines-protection-association/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |language=en-AU}}</ref> which ran a number of mission stations with the support of the government.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aborigines Protection Association |url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/entity/aborigines-protection-association/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Find and Connect |language=en-AU}}</ref>

On 29 December 1880, George Thornton was appointed the first NSW Protector of Aborigines,<ref>{{Citation |last=Rutledge |first=Martha |title=Thornton, George (1819–1901) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/thornton-george-4720 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |place=Canberra |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |language=en |access-date=2022-02-28}}</ref> after agitation for such an appointment by the Protection Association.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aboriginal Resources: administrative history |url=https://mhnsw.au/guides/aboriginal-resources-administrative-history/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Museums of History NSW |language=en}}</ref> Measures similar to those overseen by chief protectors in other states had previously occurred, usually being organised by either the Chief Secretary (Premier)'s department, or by the police.

* [[George Thornton (politician)|George Thornton]], Protector of Aborigines, 1880–1883

The [[Aboriginal Protection Board|Aborigines Protection Board]] was established to manage reserves and the welfare of the estimated 9000 Aboriginal people living in [[New South Wales]]<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|title=Aborigines Protection Board (1883 - 1940)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nsw/NE00034}}</ref> on 2 June 1883 in the wake of WA's ''Fairburn Report''. It was part of the Department of Police, and apart from its first year, was chaired by the [[Inspector-General of Police (New South Wales)|Inspector-General of Police]] (later known as Commissioner of Police).<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|title=Aborigines Protection Board (1883 - 1940)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nsw/NE00034}}</ref> The Protection Association faded away by the end of the 1890s.

* George Thornton, Chairman of the Aborigines Protection Board, 1883<ref>{{Citation |last=Rutledge |first=Martha |title=Thornton, George (1819–1901) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/thornton-george-4720 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |place=Canberra |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |language=en |access-date=2022-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/catalogue_resources/22818.pdf |title=Protection of the Aborigines. (Report of the Board.) |publisher=NSW Legislative Assembly |year=1884 |pages=1}}</ref>
* [[Edmund Fosbery]], Chairman of the Aborigines Protection Board, ''c.'' 1884–1904
* Thomas Garvin,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-09-18 |title=Thomas Garvin {{!}} Australian Police |url=https://www.australianpolice.com.au/nsw-police-history-index/police-commissioners-of-nsw/thomas-garvin/ |access-date=2022-02-28 |language=en-AU}}</ref> Chairman of the Aborigines Protection Board, 1904–1910

The ''Aboriginal Protection Act 1909'' was enacted in NSW on 1 June 1910. This reconstituted the board. It now reported to the [[Colonial Secretary of New South Wales|colonial secretary]], and had its purpose defined as being "to exercise a general supervision and care over all matters affecting the interest and welfare of Aborigines, and to protect them against injustice, imposition and fraud." It also allowed them to remove children that were deemed to be neglected, and this was very often the case. A chairman continued to be appointed, however the administrative power was now vested in a dedicated secretary. This regulatory environment remained in the [[Australian Capital Territory|Federal Capital Territory]] after it was created in 1911, and in the [[Jervis Bay Territory]] after its creation in 1915. The ''Aborigines Protection Amending Act 1915'' greatly reduced the requirements needed for Aboriginal children to be removed.<ref name="records.nsw.gov.au">{{Cite web |date=2016-04-13 |title=Aboriginal Resources: Administrative History |url=https://mhnsw.au/guides/aboriginal-resources-administrative-history/ |access-date=2022-02-28 |website=www.records.nsw.gov.au |language=en}}</ref> The ''Aborigines Protection (Amendment) Act 1936'' extended the powers of the board further, giving them complete control of Aborigines resident in NSW.<ref name="records.nsw.gov.au"/>
* Arthur Charles Pettitt, Secretary of the Board for the Protection of Aborigines''',''' 1909–1916<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pettitt Arthur Charles |url=https://discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au/browse/records/422135 |website=Discovering Anzacs}}</ref>
* LF Ward, Relieving Secretary of the Board for the Protection of Aborigines''',''' ''c.'' 1916–''c.'' 1919<ref>{{Cite news |date=1919-02-27 |title=The Stricken Aboriginals. |work=Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15827079 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>
* Arthur Charles Pettitt, Secretary of the Board for the Protection of Aborigines''',''' 1919<ref>{{Cite web |title=No.218 (30 September 1919) |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-574300904/view?partId=nla.obj-574313149#page/n5/mode/1up/search/pettitt |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref>–1940
The ''Aborigines Protection (Amendment) Act 1940'' created the ''Aborigines Welfare Board'' in 1940,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aborigines Welfare Board (1940 - 1969)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nsw/NE00033}}</ref> following two government reviews immediately prior.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aboriginal Resources: administrative history |url=https://mhnsw.au/guides/aboriginal-resources-administrative-history/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Museums of History NSW |language=en}}</ref> ACT/JBT regulation was separated from NSW between the enacting of the ''Aborigines Welfare Ordinance 1954''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aborigines Welfare Ordinance 1954 (1954 - 1965)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/act/biogs/AE00011b.htm}}</ref> and the ''Aborigines Welfare Repeal Ordinance 1965;''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aborigines Welfare Ordinance 1954 (1954 - 1965)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/act/biogs/AE00011b.htm}}</ref> however the regulating body remained the NSW Board. 
* Alfred William George Lipscombe, Superintendent of Aborigines Welfare, 1940–1953
* Maurice Henry Saxby, Superintendent of Aborigines Welfare, 1953–1958
* Harold John Green, Superintendent of Aborigines Welfare, 1959–1969
The Aborigines Welfare Board become the ''[[Aborigines Welfare Directorate]]'' in 1969 through the ''Aborigines Act 1969''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aborigines Welfare Directorate (1969 - 1975) |url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nsw/NE00029}}</ref>
* Ian Mitchell, Director of Aboriginal Welfare, 1969–1975
The Directorate was abolished on 1 July 1975, with most of its functions being transferred to the Commonwealth [[Department of Aboriginal Affairs]]. The remaining state responsibilities were then transferred to the new ''Aboriginal Services Branch'' which operated within the Department of Youth, Ethnic and Community Affairs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aborigines Welfare Directorate|url=http://search.records.nsw.gov.au/agencies/561|website=NSW State Records|publisher=NSW Government|access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Aboriginal Services Branch [Department of Community Services]|url=http://search.records.nsw.gov.au/agencies/1821|website=NSW State Records|publisher=NSW Government|access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>

=== Port Phillip and Victoria ===
The first European charged with protecting the Indigenous people of NSW's semi-autonomous [[Port Phillip District]] was George Langhorne. He was employed by the district's superintendent as "Missionary" in 1837. He built a mission village at the Aboriginal camp on the Yarra where the [[Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria]] now are.

*George Langhorne, Missionary,<ref>{{Cite news|date=1839-03-09|title="To assist the enquiring, animate the struggling, and sympathize with all."|work=Port Phillip Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225006801|access-date=2022-02-14}}</ref> 1837–1839
Replacing this effort, the [[Port Phillip Protectorate]] was established in 1839, overseen by a Chief Protector. Four full-time Assistant Protectors were allocated to a quarter of the district.<ref>{{cite book|title=Australians: Events and Places|publisher=Fairfax, Syme and Weldon Associates|year=1987|isbn=0-949288-13-6|editor=Aplin, Graeme|pages=47–8|editor2=S.G. Foster|editor3=Michael McKernan}}</ref> In 1843, the Port Phillip District was greatly expanded.<ref>{{cite news|date=1843-07-01|title=Proclamation.|work=New South Wales Government Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230125562|access-date=2022-01-24}}</ref> The Protectorate operated until 1849, when a Select Committee recommended its closure.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Chief Protector of Aborigines|url=http://www.access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/component/daPublicBaseContainer?component=daViewAgency&breadcrumbPath=Home/Access%20the%20Collection/Browse%20The%20Collection/Agency%20Details&entityId=512|access-date=2022-02-07|website=Public Records Office Victoria|language=en}}</ref>

*[[George Augustus Robinson]], Chief Protector, 1839–1849
**[[James Dredge (minister)|James Dredge]], Assistant Protector in the Goulburn or Northeast District, 1839–1840<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216051155/http://webjournals.ac.edu.au/ojs/index.php/ADEB/article/view/1268/1265|url= http://webjournals.ac.edu.au/ojs/index.php/ADEB/article/view/1268/1265|website=Australian Dictionary of Evangelical Biography|title=Dredge, James (1796-1846)|first=Alison|last=Head|date=2004|archive-date=16 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=An awful silence reigns': James Dredge at the Goulburn River - No 61 Autumn 1998 | website=La Trobe Journal | date=1 December 1997 | url=http://latrobejournal.slv.vic.gov.au/latrobejournal/issue/latrobe-61/t1-g-t4.html | access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref>
**[[Charles Sievwright]], Assistant Protector in the Geelong or Western District, 1838–1842<ref name="ADB-Sievwright">"[http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/sievwright-charles-wightman-13194 Sievwright, Charles Wightman (1800–1855)]", ''[[Australian Dictionary of Biography]]''.</ref>
**[[Edward Stone Parker]], Assistant Protector in the Mt Macedon or Northwest District, 1839–1849
**[[William Thomas (Australian settler)|William Thomas]], [some form of Protector] 1837<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1867No1.pdf#page=13|title=Civil Establishment of the Colony of Victoria for 1865|publisher=Colony of Victoria|year=1866|location=Melbourne|pages=10}}</ref>–1839; Assistant Protector in the Central Protectorate District of Westernport, 1839–1849
**William Le Souëf,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1846-10-15 |title=THE PROTECTORATE. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226348530 |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=Port Phillip Patriot and Morning Advertiser}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1846-10-16 |title=THE PROTECTORATE. PETITION OF WILLIAM LE SOUEFF. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226351538 |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=Port Phillip Patriot and Morning Advertiser}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1846-10-19 |title=THE PROTECTORATE. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226353159 |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=Port Phillip Patriot and Morning Advertiser}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1846-10-20 |title=THE PROTECTORATE. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226350467 |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=Port Phillip Patriot and Morning Advertiser}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1846-10-21 |title=THE PROTECTORATE. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226350090 |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=Port Phillip Patriot and Morning Advertiser}}</ref> Assistant Protector in the Goulburn or Northeast District, 1840-1844<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aboriginal Protectorate and Guardian of Aborigines records {{!}} PROV |url=https://prov.vic.gov.au/explore-collection/explore-topic/aboriginal-victorians-1830s-1970s/aboriginal-protectorate |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=prov.vic.gov.au}}</ref>
At the end of the Protectorate, Assistant Protector William Thomas was made "Guardian of Aborigines" starting 1 January 1850, predominantly acting in the Greater Melbourne area. The Port Phillip District became the Colony of Victoria in 1851. His position was a hands-on role that continued after a new administrative structure for protection was created.
*[[William Thomas (Australian settler)|William Thomas]], Guardian of Aborigines (in the counties of [[County of Bourke, Victoria|Bourke]], [[County of Mornington|Mornington]] and [[County of Evelyn, Victoria|Evelyn]]), 1850–''c.'' 1867
The ''Central Board appointed to Watch Over the Interests of the Aborigines'' was established in 1860.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Central Board Appointed to Watch Over the Interests of Aborigines (1860 - 1869)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/vic/E000427}}</ref> (Some contemporary sources call it the ''Central Board for the Protection of Aborigines).'' It was headed by a President, who was responsible for its work. It appointed Superintendents in the colony's Aboriginal stations and "Honorary Correspondents" in other areas who worked with the Aborigines being watched over.

This board was replaced by a firmly-named ''Central Board for the Protection of Aborigines'' in 1869 (via the ''[[Aboriginal Protection Act 1869]]).''<ref>{{cite book|last=Broome|first=Richard|title=Aboriginal Victorians: A History Since 1800|publisher=[[Allen & Unwin]]|year=2005|isbn=978-1-74114-569-4|pages=130–131|author-link=Richard Broome}}</ref><ref name="CBPA">{{cite web|last=O'Neill|first=Cate|date=28 October 2011|title=Central Board for the Protection of Aborigines - Organisation|url=http://www.findandconnect.gov.au/vic/biogs/E000425b.htm|access-date=7 August 2013|publisher=Find & Connect - Victoria/[[Public Record Office Victoria]]/[[National Archives of Australia]]}}</ref> This act made Victoria the first [[colony]] to enact comprehensive regulations on the lives of [[Victorian Aborigines|Aborigines]]. The Secretary now not only did the bulk of administrative work of the board, but was credited with making proclamations in public notices. The Chairman and the other Board members directed policy. The General Inspector inspected the Superintendents and their stations. The 1869 Act authorised the removal of neglected Aboriginal children from their families. From the late 1870s, it became customary for the Colonial Secretary (aka [[Premier of Victoria|Premier]]) to be the Chairman. By the 1880s, the Honorary Correspondents had been replaced by "Guardians" (later "Local Guardians") operating from "depots".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://digitised-collections.unimelb.edu.au/bitstream/handle/11343/21345/114149_Protection%20of%20Aborigines%20Report%2019%201884.pdf?sequence=19&isAllowed=y|title=Nineteenth Report of the Board for the Protection of the Aborigines in the Colony of Victoria.|year=1884|location=Melbourne|pages=3}}</ref>

Prompted by the contested situation at [[Coranderrk]],<ref name=":18">{{Cite book|last=Furphy|first=Samuel|url=https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p316011/pdf/4.-%E2%80%98They-formed-a-little-family-as-it-were%E2%80%99-The-Board-for-the-Protection-of-Aborigines-1875%E2%80%931883-.pdf|title=Settler Colonial Governance in Nineteenth-Century Victoria|publisher=ANU Press and Aboriginal History Inc.|year=2015|location=Canberra|pages=103}}</ref> the [[Half-Caste Act|''Aboriginal Protection Act 1886'']] gave the board extensive new powers over the lives of [[Indigenous Australians|Aboriginal people]], including regulation of residence, employment and marriage.<ref name="dd">{{cite web|title=Aboriginal Protection Act 1869 (Vic)|url=https://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/item-sdid-22.html|access-date=11 February 2020|website=Documenting A Democracy|publisher=[[Museum of Australian Democracy]]}}</ref> It was used to release the government station-living "half-castes" aged under 35 into the community.<ref name=":27">{{Cite book|last=McLean|first=Charles|title=Report Upon the Operation of the Aborigines Act 1928 and the Regulations and Orders Made Thereunder|publisher=Government of Victoria|year=1957|location=Melbourne|pages=7}}</ref> From about 1898, all "half-caste" children on the stations, after leaving school, were given vocational training and sent out to work by the government.<ref name=":27" /> The ''Aborigines Act 1910''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Documenting Democracy|url=https://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/item-did-87.html|access-date=2022-02-09|website=www.foundingdocs.gov.au}}</ref> re-affirmed that the board had the power to apply all the measures in the 1886 act to "half-castes".<ref name="dd2">{{cite web|title=Aborigines Act 1910 (Vic)|url=https://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/item-did-87.html|access-date=11 February 2020|website=Documenting A Democracy|publisher=[[Museum of Australian Democracy]]}}</ref> The board reduced its administrative function from 1912, it not publishing another annual report until 1922; and it didn't meet at all between 1914 and 1916.<ref name=":21">{{Cite news|date=1916-03-23|title=Care of Aborigines.|work=Argus|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2095527|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref>

''The Aborigines Act 1915''<ref>{{Citation|title=Aborigines Act 1915|url=http://www9.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/vic/hist_act/aa1915110/|access-date=2022-02-09}}</ref> removed most Aboriginal people from the bounds of the board's regulation by removing their Aboriginal status for the purposes of the act. In 1916, the state's Chief Secretary (Premier) [[Alexander Peacock]], asserted his authority as Chairman, and convened the board for the first time in two years. He gave renewed responsibility of the organisation to its Vice-Chairman,<ref name=":21" /> who did so under his state government title of Under-Secretary (administrative head of the government).<ref>{{Cite news|date=1917-08-17|title=Advertising|work=Herald|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242478880|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref> By 1920, the role of "Secretary" had again become the board's face to the public, reporting to a relatively hands-off Vice-Chairman. In 1917 it was decided to close all the stations except that in [[Lake Tyers Mission|Lake Tyers]], and to encourage all the station dwellers to move there. Most had moved by 1922. Almost all of the Depots had closed by this point. The ''Aborigines Act 1928''<ref>{{Citation|title=Aborigines Act 1928|url=http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/vic/hist_act/aa1928110/|access-date=2022-02-09}}</ref> (from 1931) allowed more children and sick adults to live on the stations. In the 1930s, a number of Aboriginal people sought refuge at [[Framlingham, Victoria|Framlingham]].<ref name=":27" /> By the 1940s most people of Aboriginal ancestry were considered by the board to be "legally white",<ref>{{Cite news|date=1947-12-16|title=Problems of the Aborigines|work=Shepparton Advertiser|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article173900313|access-date=2022-02-08}}</ref> and the board generally only had power over Aboriginal people living at Lake Tyers.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1948-04-30|title=Social Rights Of Aboriginals|work=Shepparton Advertiser|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169559074|access-date=2022-02-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1948-05-07|title=Liquor Ban On Aboriginals|work=Shepparton Advertiser|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169559224|access-date=2022-02-08}}</ref><ref name=":27" />

General Inspectors and Secretaries:  
* [[William Thomas (Australian settler)|William Thomas]], Guardian of Aborigines (in a "General Inspector" role), 1860–1861<ref name=":22">{{Citation|last1=Clark|first1=Ian|title=John Green, Manager of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, but also a ngamadjidj? New insights into His Work with Victorian Aboriginal People in the Nineteenth Century|date=2014-01-01|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305003506|pages=129–144|isbn=978-1-349-50181-6|access-date=2022-02-07|last2=Cahir|first2=Fred|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US }}</ref>
* John Green,<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=On Taungurung Land - ANU|url=https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/n7494/html/ch04.xhtml?referer=&page=10|access-date=2022-02-07|website=press-files.anu.edu.au|language=en}}</ref> General Inspector, 1861–1875<ref>{{Cite news|date=1876-02-19|title=Coranderrk Hop Farm.|work=Leader|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196550936|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref>
* [[Robert Brough Smyth]], Secretary, 1866<ref>{{Cite news|date=1876-03-29|title=The Charges Against Mr. Brough SMYTH.|work=Argus|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7435748|access-date=2022-02-05}}</ref>– ''c.'' 1876<ref>{{Cite news|date=1889-10-19|title=Obituary.|work=Australian Town and Country Journal|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71124785|access-date=2022-02-06}}</ref>
* Christian Splidt Ogilvie, General Inspector, 1875;<ref name=":18" /> General Superintendent, 1875<ref name=":18" />–1877<ref name=":18" />
* Captain Andrew Mathew Adolph Page,<ref name=":20">{{Cite news|date=1890-03-07|title=Death of Captain Page.|work=Age|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197019550|access-date=2022-02-05}}</ref> General Inspector and Secretary, 1877<ref name=":19">{{Cite book|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1880-81No9.pdf|title=Statistical Register of the Colony of Victoria for the Year 1879.|publisher=Colony of Victoria|year=1880|location=Melbourne|pages=33}}</ref>–1890<ref name=":20" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=1890-03-06|title=Miscellaneous.|work=Evening News|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108795279|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref>
* [[Friedrich Hagenauer]], Acting General Inspector and Secretary, 1889<ref>{{Cite news|date=1889-07-20|title=The Government Gazette.|work=Australasian|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139134012|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1890-02-03|title=The Gippsland Times.|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65295511|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref>–1890; General Inspector and Secretary, 1890<ref>{{Cite news|date=1890-04-02|title=Aborigines Board.|work=Argus|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8598377|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref>–1906<ref>{{Cite news|date=1906-09-17|title=New and Women|work=Australian Star|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228487409|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1909-11-29|title=Death of Rev. F.A. Hagenauer.|work=Gippsland Times|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65269170|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref> 
* William J Ditchburn,<ref name=":23">{{Cite news|date=1937-04-20|title=Obituary.|work=Age|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205604615|access-date=2022-02-08}}</ref> Acting Secretary, 1906–1912;<ref>{{Cite news|date=1912-03-09|title=Aborigines Board Secretary.|work=Herald|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241495806|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref> Secretary 1912<ref>{{Cite news|date=1912-05-15|title=Meteorological.|work=Ballarat Star|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218546490|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref>–1917<ref name=":23" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=1916-01-20|title=Advertising|work=Every Week|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153436460|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref> 
* Alfred Ernest Parker, Secretary, ''c.'' 1918<ref>{{Cite book|last=Flagg|first=Simon|url=https://prov.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/Footprints.pdf#page=55|title=Footprints: The Journey of Lucy and Percy Pepper|year=2008|pages=43}}</ref>– ''c.'' 1936

Presidents and Vice-Chairmen:

* [[Richard Heales]], President of the Central Board appointed to Watch Over the Interests of the Aborigines, 1860–1864<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1864-65No46.pdf#page=13|title=Civil Establishment for the Colony of Victoria for the Year 1864|pages=13}}</ref>
* [[James MacBain]], President of the Central Board appointed to Watch Over the Interests of the Aborigines, 1864<ref>{{Cite news|date=1864-12-22|title=The Government Gazette.|work=Star|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66350680|access-date=2022-02-03}}</ref>–1869<ref>{{Cite news|date=1869-08-10|title=The Aborigines.|work=Argus|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5825178|access-date=2022-02-03}}</ref>
* Theodotus John Sumner,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Obituary - Theodotus John Sumner - Obituaries Australia|url=https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/sumner-theodotus-john-15510|access-date=2022-02-12|website=oa.anu.edu.au}}</ref><ref>{{Cite re-member |title=Theodotus John Sumner |num2=888 |access-date=2022-08-20}}</ref> Vice-Chairman of the Central Board for the Protection of Aborigines, 1869– ''c.''1872
* John Mackenzie, Vice-Chairman, ''c.'' 1872– ''c.''1875<ref>{{Cite journal |author=Victoria Board for the Protection of the Aborigines |date=1861–1925 |title=Reports of the Board for the Protection of Aborigines in Victoria 1861 - 1925 |url=http://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/handle/11343/21345|language=en}}</ref>
* William Macredie, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1875– ''c.''1876
* [[Frederick Race Godfrey]], Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1876– ''c.''1878
* [[Edward Curr]], Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1878– ''c.''1879
* Henry Jennings, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1879– ''c.''1880
* [[Albert Alexander Cochrane Le Souef|Albert Le Souëf]], Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1880– ''c''.1882
* William Anderson, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1882– ''c''.1884
* [[Charles Myles Officer|Charles Officer]], Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1884– ''c''.1885
* [[Ewen Hugh Cameron|Ewen Cameron]], Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1885– ''c''.1887
* Alexander Morrison, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1887– ''c''.1890
* Charles Officer, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1890– ''c''.1896
* Alexander Morrison, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1896– ''c''.1897
* Albert Le Souëf, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1897– ''c''.1900
* [[Donald Norman McLeod|Donald McLeod]], Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1900– ''c''.1901
* Charles Officer, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1901– ''c''.1904
* Frederick Race Godfrey, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1904– ''c.''1906
* HP Keoh, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1906– ''c.''1910
* William Alfred Callaway, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1910–?
* [Vice-Chairmen]
* CS MacPherson, Vice-Chairman, ?– ''c.''1925
* William Philip Heathershaw, Vice-Chairman, ''c.''1925–?
* [Vice-Chairmen]

The ''Child Welfare Act 1954'' was used by police to remove Aboriginal children,<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/content/pdf/social_justice/bringing_them_home_report.pdf |title=Bringing Them Home: Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |year=1997 |pages=53}}</ref> without the involvement of the board. In response to dissatisfaction with the shanty towns on the edges of country towns (and overcrowding in Melbourne dwellings),<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Boas|first=Phillip J.|date=1975|title=A case study in the practice of social intervention: government intervention in Aboriginal affairs (Victoria) 1834-1972|url=http://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/handle/11343/36526}}</ref> Charles McLean was commissioned by the government to review the Aboriginal people of the state in 1955. The resulting ''Aborigines Act 1957''<ref>{{Citation|title=aa1957110 index|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/hist_act/aa1957110/index.html|access-date=2022-02-09}}</ref> replaced the existing Board with the ''Aborigines Welfare Board.''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aborigines Welfare Board (1957 - 1968)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/vic/E000431|website=Find & Connect}}</ref> It was empowered to improve the welfare of all the Aborigines of the state. The board was headed by a chairman (a politician with various simultaneous appointments), and had a superintendent as its executive officer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=17 Mar 1965, Page 2 - The Age at Newspapers.com|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121988318/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=Newspapers.com|language=en}}</ref> The act also removed the alcohol consumption ban. The ''Aborigines Act 1958''<ref>{{Citation|title=aa1958110 index|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/hist_act/aa1958110/index.html|access-date=2022-02-09}}</ref> made minor changes. In 1958, the board established the Rumbalara settlement near [[Mooroopna]] to provide transitional housing for people living in camps. In 1960, it opened the similar Manatunga settlement near [[Robinvale]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1960-61No36.pdf|title=Report of the Aborigines Welfare Board for the Year Ended 30th June, 1960|publisher=Government of Victoria|year=1960|location=Melbourne}}</ref> (The ''Aborigines (Houses) Act 1959''<ref>{{Citation|title=aa1959191 index|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/hist_act/aa1959191/index.html|access-date=2022-02-09}}</ref> made it clearer that the board could contract the Housing Commission to build houses on Board land).

After severe criticism, in June 1964 the board lost its executive powers, and became an advisory body to the state government;<ref name=":24">{{Cite web|title=15 Mar 1965, Page 2 - The Age at Newspapers.com|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121986570/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=Newspapers.com|language=en}}</ref> though it still continued to administer Aboriginal affairs. In June 1965, the board was transferred from the Chief Secretary's Department to the Housing Department,<ref name=":25">{{Cite web|title=30 Jun 1965, Page 3 - The Age at Newspapers.com|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122294290/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=Newspapers.com|language=en}}</ref> with the Housing Minister gaining the title "Minister in Charge of Aboriginal Welfare". At this time, the Minister was given a similar role to that previously held by the Chairman. The board was now largely devoted to improving Aboriginal housing.<ref name=":26">{{Cite book|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1967-68No13.pdf|title=Report of the Aborigines Welfare Board, for the Year Ended 30th June, 1966|publisher=Government of Victoria|year=1967}}</ref> A dedicated Minister was appointed in 1967. The board now had an increased focus on education, health and other welfare matters.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1967-68No13.pdf|title=Report of the Aborigines Welfare Board, for the Year Ending 30th June, 1967|publisher=Government of Victoria|year=1967}}</ref>

* [[Murray Porter]], Chairman, 1956–1961
* Sir John Vincent Dillion,<ref>{{Citation|last=Wortley|first=Renn|title=Dillon, Sir John Vincent (Jack) (1908–1992)|url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/dillon-sir-john-vincent-jack-27623|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|place=Canberra|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|language=en|access-date=2022-02-12}}</ref> Chairman, 1961<ref name=":26" />
* [[Edward Meagher]], Chairman, 1961–1964<ref>{{Cite re-member |title=Edward Raymond Meagher (CBE) |num2=1452 |access-date=2022-08-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=16 Mar 1965, Page 2 - The Age at Newspapers.com|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/121987403/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=Newspapers.com|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Arthur Rylah]], Chairman, 1964<ref name=":24" />–1965<ref name=":25" />
* James Henry Davey, Chairman, 1965<ref name=":25" />– ''c.'' 1968
* [[Lindsay Thompson]], Minister in Charge of Aboriginal Welfare, 1965–1967<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-15|title=Premier of Victoria - Lindsay Thompson|url=https://www.caulfieldgrammarians.com.au/premier-of-victoria-lindsay-thompson/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=The Caulfield Grammarians' Association|language=en-AU}}</ref>
* Edward Meagher, Minister in Charge of Aboriginal Welfare, 1967–1968
* Phillip Eric Felton,<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Felton|first1=Philip|last2=Dowell|first2=Gordon Charles|date=1999|title=Philip Eric Felton interviewed by Gordon Dowell in the Bringing them home oral history project|url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/733517|journal=Bringing Them Home Oral History Project}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Felton, Philip, (Phillip Eric), 1929-2013 (Person) - Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)|url=http://aiatsis.library.link/resource/Y0zui20Z99U/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=aiatsis.library.link|language=en}}</ref> Superintendent<ref>{{Cite web|title=17 Oct 1961, Page 5 - The Age at Newspapers.com|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/122406542/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=Newspapers.com|language=en}}</ref>

The passing of the ''Aboriginal Affairs Act 1967''<ref>{{Citation|title=aaa1967152 index|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/hist_act/aaa1967152/index.html|access-date=2022-02-09}}</ref> meant that in 1968, the ''Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs'' was established. Approximately 40% of its staff were Aboriginal.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Broome|first=Richard|url=https://prov.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/Publications/walata-tyamateetj_web_final.pdf|title=walata tyamateetj: A guide to government records about Aboriginal people in Victoria|year=2014|pages=14}}</ref> In the late 1960s, the residents of Manatunga and then Rumbalara requested that they be transitioned to mainstream housing, and they were.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.vgls.vic.gov.au/client/en_AU/search/asset/1292468/0|title=Report of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs for the Year Ended 30th June, 1969|publisher=Government of Victoria|year=1969|location=Melbourne}}</ref> The ''Aboriginals Land Act 1970''<ref>{{Citation|title=Aboriginal Lands Act 1970|url=http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ala1970144/|access-date=2022-02-09}}</ref> transferred the remaining land at Lake Tyers and Framlingham to Aboriginal trust ownership in 1971.
* Edward Meagher, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, 1968–1972<ref>{{Citation|last=Rodan|first=P. K.|title=Meagher, Edward Raymond (1908–1988)|url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/meagher-edward-raymond-14958|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|place=Canberra|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|language=en|access-date=2022-02-09}}</ref>
* Reginald Maurice Worthy,<ref name=":28" /> Director of Aboriginal Affairs, 1968–1974<ref name=":28">{{Cite journal|last1=Worthy|first1=Reg|last2=Erskine|first2=Barbara|date=1999|title=Reg Worthy interviewed by Barbara Erskine in the Bringing them home oral history project|url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/331890|journal=Bringing Them Home Oral History Project}}</ref>
* [[Pat Dickie]], Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, 1972–1975
In January 1975, the responsibility for Aboriginal affairs passed to the federal government and general Victorian agencies.

=== South Australia ===
In Adelaide's first year, 1836, its Province's first interim Protector was appointed by the Governor with the advice of his [[South Australian Legislative Council|Legislative Council]], and this practice continued for his replacements. The tasks for the third interim Protector, [[William Wyatt (settler)|William Wyatt]], were:<blockquote>1st. To ascertain the number, strength, and disposition of the different tribes, more especially of those in the vicinity of the settled districts.

2nd. To protect them in the undisturbed enjoyment of their proprietary rights to such lands as may be occupied by them in any especial manner.

3rd. To encourage as much as possible the friendly dispositions towards the emigrants which at present exist.

4th. To induce them to labour, either for themselves or the settlers.

5th. To lead them by degrees to the advantages of civilization and religion.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|date=1837-08-12|title=Advertising|work=South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749689|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref></blockquote>In March 1838, in response to the killing of a Mr Pegler by one or more Aboriginal people, a committee was formed to advise the Protector on his protecting. Of its twelve members, six (including the Protector) were appointed by the governor, while the other six were elected by the colonists.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1838-06-02|title=The Aborigines' Committee.|work=Southern Australian|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71684565|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref> A list of instructions for Protector [[Matthew Moorhouse]] (longer than those for Wyatt) was published in 1839.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1839-07-06|title=The Aborigines — Instructions to the New Protector.|work=South Australian Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27440631|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref> The ''Aboriginal Orphans Act 1844'' empowered the Protector to apprentice out orphan Aboriginal children and, with parental consent, other Aboriginal children until the age of 21. It also gave the Protector the right to visit children and to penalise employers who mistreated the apprentices.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aboriginal Orphans Act 1844 (1844 - 1911)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/sa/biogs/SE00259b.htm}}</ref>
*[[George Stevenson (editor)|George Stevenson]], Protector of the Aborigines (ad interim), 1836<ref name="letters7">{{cite web|date=January 2013|others=Transcribed and indexed by Jo Lane|title=Protector of Aborigines Out Letter-Book 7: December 8th, 1892 to September 4th, 1906: Including List of Addressees, and Subject Index|url=http://www.firstsources.info/uploads/3/4/5/4/34544232/_7._protectors_letter-books_1892-1906.pdf|journal=|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225200526/http://www.firstsources.info/uploads/3/4/5/4/34544232/_7._protectors_letter-books_1892-1906.pdf|access-date=24 November 2019|archive-date=25 February 2021|editor=Lane, Jo}}</ref>–1837
*Captain [[Walter Bromley]], Protector of the Aborigines (ad interim), 1837<ref>{{Cite news|date=1837-06-03|title=Advertising|work=South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749645|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>
*[[William Wyatt (settler)|William Wyatt]], Protector of the Aborigines (ad interim), 1837<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|date=1837-08-12|title=Advertising|work=South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749689|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>–1839<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|date=1839-06-22|title=The Last Gazete.|work=South Australian Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27440606|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>
*Dr [[Matthew Moorhouse]], Protector of the Aborigines, 20 June 1839 – 31 March 1856<ref name=":9"/><ref name="letters7" />
**[[Edward John Eyre]], Sub-Protector on the Murray River, 1841–1847
**[[Edward Bate Scott]], Sub-Protector on the Murray River, 1848–1857<ref name=":11">{{cite news|date=3 July 1909|title=Seventy years a colonist.|page=8|newspaper=[[The Advertiser (Adelaide)|The Advertiser]]|location=Adelaide|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5731562|access-date=3 January 2016|via=Trove}}</ref>
On Moorhouse's retirement in 1856, the SA government decided that it could no longer justify the expense of having a dedicated "Protector", combining the role with that of the Commissioner of Crown Lands.<ref name=":15">{{Cite thesis|title=South Australian Aborigines Protection Board (1939-1962) and governance through 'scientific' expertise: a genealogy of protection and assimilation.|url=https://digital.library.adelaide.edu.au/dspace/handle/2440/61981|date=2007|degree=Thesis|first=Margaret|last=Macilwain}}</ref>

* [[Charles Bonney]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (as ex-officio Protector), 1 April 1856 – 20 August 1857; 2 September 1857 – 4 July 1859
* [[William Milne (politician)|William Milne]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 21 August 1857 – 1 September 1857;  5 July 1859 – 9 May 1860
* [[Henry Strangways]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (as ex-officio Protector), 10 May 1860 – 20 November 1861

In 1860, a Legislative Council Select Committee investigating "The Aborigines" found that a dedicated Protector should again be employed.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/digitised_collections/remove/92284.pdf|title=Report of the Select Committee of the Legislative Council, Upon "The Aborigines;" Together With Minutes of Evidence and Appendix.|year=1860|location=Adelaide}}</ref> In 1866, during illness by Protector Walker, his office became known as the ''Aborigines Office''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aborigines Office (1866 - 1912)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/sa/SE01102|website=Find & Connect}}</ref>
*Dr [[John Walker (Protector of Aborigines)|John Walker]],<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Layton|first=S|title=The Protectorship of John Walker|url=https://anthropologicalsocietysa.com/journal|journal=Journal of the Anthropological Society of South Australia|volume=30|issue=2|pages=67–88}}</ref> Protector of Aborigines, 21 November 1861 – 26 September 1868<ref name="letters7" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=1861-11-22|title=Government Gazette|work=South Australian Advertiser|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article880119|access-date=2022-01-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Obituary |work=South Australian Register |location=Adelaide |date=13 October 1868|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article41388356|access-date=2022-01-28|via=Trove|language=en}}</ref>
*Edward Bate Scott, Acting Protector of Aborigines, 1867<ref name=":11" />
1868 saw Protector Walker die days after a new premier and cabinet were appointed. A political crisis over how to best sell and develop land possessed by Aborigines had just resulted in new government under the control of the strongly "small government" [[John Hart (South Australian colonist)|John Hart]]. It was decided that the Office of Protector should again be absorbed into that of the Commissioner of Crown Lands. According to [[J. D. Woods]] in 1879, "With the cessation of the Protectorate of Aborigines as the function of a separate staff, all official interest in the native seems to have expired, and nothing is now done for them except periodically to give to them, through the mounted police, flour, tea, sugar, &c., and even this modicum of generosity is administered in a loose and perfunctory manner, owing to the pressure of more urgent duties on those who are in charge." "There is a Sub-Protector whose duties are centred in Adelaide and are merely clerical [Edward Hamilton], and there is only one other in the Far North [JP Buttfield], who is also a Stipendiary Magistrate."<ref>{{Cite web|title=The aborigines. - To the Editor |work=South Australian Register |location=Adelaide, SA |date=24 March 1879|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article42971388|access-date=2022-01-29|via=Trove|language=en}}</ref>

* [[William Townsend (mayor)|William Townsend]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (as ex-officio Protector), 27 September 1868 – 13 October 1868
* [[Lavington Glyde]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 13 October 1868<ref>{{Cite news|date=1868-10-14|title=Government Gazette Extraordinary.|work=Express and Telegraph|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207677194|access-date=2022-01-28}}</ref> – 3 November 1868
* [[Wentworth Cavenagh|Wentworth Cavanagh]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 3 November 1868<ref>{{Cite news|date=1868-11-04|title=Government "Gazette Extraordinary."|work=Express and Telegraph|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207677643|access-date=2022-01-28}}</ref> – 30 May 1870
* [[Arthur Blyth]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 30 May 1870<ref>{{Cite news|date=1870-05-30|title=Gazette Notices.|work=Express and Telegraph|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207721202|access-date=2022-01-28}}</ref> – 10 Nov 1871
* William Townsend, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 10 Nov 1871<ref>{{Cite news|date=1871-11-11|title=THE NEW MINISTRY.|work=South Australian Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article39251470|access-date=2022-01-29}}</ref> – 22 Jan 1872
* [[Edwin Derrington]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 22 Jan 1872 – 04 Mar 1872<ref>{{cite SA-parl |pid=3618 |name=Mr Edwin Derrington |former=yes |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref>
* [[Thomas Reynolds (Australian politician)|Thomas Reynolds]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 04 Mar 1872 – 22 Jul 1873<ref>{{cite SA-parl |pid=4232 |name=Hon Thomas Reynolds |former=yes |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref>
* [[William Everard (South Australian politician)|William Everard]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 22 Jul 1873<ref>{{Cite news|date=1873-07-26|title=The New Ministry.|work=Adelaide Observer|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159471132|access-date=2022-01-28}}</ref> – 03 Jun 1875<ref>{{cite SA-parl |pid=4159 |name=Mr William Everard |former=yes |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref>
* [[James Boucaut]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 03 Jun 1875 – 02 Feb 1876<ref>{{cite SA-parl |pid=3575 |name=Hon Sir James Boucaut KCMG KC |former=yes |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref>
* [[Thomas Playford II|Thomas Playford]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 02 Feb 1876 – 06 Jun 1876<ref name=Playford>{{cite SA-parl |pid=3938 |name=Hon Thomas Playford II |former=yes |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref> 
* [[John Carr (Australian politician, born 1819)|John Carr]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 06 Jun 1876 – 26 Oct 1877<ref>{{cite SA-parl |pid=3641 |name=Hon John Carr |former=yes |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref> 
* Thomas Playford, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (ex-officio Protector), 26 Oct 1877 – 24 Jun 1881<ref name=Playford />
* [[Alfred Catt]], Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (as ex-officio Protector), 24 Jun 1881 – c. 1882<ref>{{cite SA-parl |pid=3694 |name=Hon Alfred Catt |former=yes |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref>
During much of this period, Edward Hamilton was handling most of the policy and administrative matters relating to Aborigines. In May 1881, it was decided to abolish the small Aborigines Office. This would combine the administrative Sub-Protector position with the "Secretary to the Commissioner of Crown Lands" to become the "Secretary to the Commissioner of Crown Lands and Protector of Aborigines", with protection being a very small part of the role.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1881-05-25|title=The Civil Service.|work=South Australian Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article43167062|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref> However, this would not come to pass, and instead Edward Hamilton would be given the title of "Protector of Aborigines" soon afterwards.
*Edward Lee Hamilton,<ref>{{Cite news|date=1907-05-31|title=Retirement of the Protector of Aborigines.|work=Express and Telegraph|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208956925|access-date=2022-01-29}}</ref> secretary, ? – 4 September 1873; Sub-Protector of Aborigines at Adelaide, 4 September 1873<ref>{{Cite news|date=1873-09-05|title=Government Gazette.|work=Express and Telegraph|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208167483|access-date=2022-01-29}}</ref> – ''c.'' 1882; Protector of Aborigines, ''c.'' 1882 – 30 Jan 1908<ref name="letters7" /><ref name="Foster2000">Foster R. (2000), "[https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=200105429;res=IELAPA;type=pdf 'endless trouble and agitation': Aboriginal activism in the Protectionist era]", ''Journal of the Historical Society of South Australia'', 28: 15-27.</ref>
*[[William Garnet South]], Protector of Aborigines, 30 Jan 1908<ref>{{Cite news|date=1908-02-06|title=The Aborigines.|work=Express and Telegraph|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208913428|access-date=2022-01-29}}</ref> – 1912
Inspired by the [[Half-Caste Act|Half Caste Acts]] in WA and Victoria, the ''Aborigines Act 1911'' would greatly increase the control of Aborigines by the state. When enacted in 1912, the "Office" became the ''Aborigines Department'',<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aborigines Department (1912 - 1962)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/sa/SE01103|website=Find & Connect}}</ref> and the title of "Protector" was changed to "Chief Protector". In 1918, the ''Advisory Council of Aborigines'' was established to advise the Chief Protector. It was composed mainly of Protestant clergy, and was largely ignored.<ref name=":15" />
*William Garnet South, Chief Protector of Aborigines, 1912 – 27 May 1923<ref name="Foster2000" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=1923-05-28|title=Obituary.|work=Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64121503|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref>
*Milroy Trail McLean,<ref>{{Cite news|date=1930-10-09|title=Important Posts Filled |work=News|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130225542|access-date=2022-02-12}}</ref> Acting Chief Protector of Aborigines, 1923<ref>{{Cite news|date=1923-03-08|title=Personal.|work=Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64187614|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref>
*Francis W Garnett,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1942-09-02 |title=Obituary |work=Advertiser |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48881244 |access-date=2022-08-23}}</ref> Chief Protector of Aborigines, 4 Jul 1923<ref>{{Cite news|date=1923-07-05|title=PERSONAL.|work=Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64305272|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref> – 9 Oct 1930
*Milroy Trail McLean, Chief Protector of Aborigines, 9 Oct 1930<ref>{{Cite news|date=1930-10-10|title=Public Service.|work=Recorder|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article95809960|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref> – 1939
The ''Aborigines Act 1939'' created the [[Charles Duguid#Aborigines Protection Board|Aborigines Protection Board]] (APB), which was "charged with the duty of controlling and promoting the welfare" of Aboriginal people. The Chief Protector was typically Secretary of the board. Chief Protector Bartlett wrote a book about the [[Point McLeay]] mission.<ref>{{cite web|date=12 June 2012|title=Aboriginal missions in South Australia: Point McLeay|url=https://guides.slsa.sa.gov.au/Aboriginal_Missions/PointMcLeay|access-date=29 November 2020|website=LibGuides at [[State Library of South Australia]]}}</ref><ref name="lastgara" />
*William Richard Penhall,<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Last Protector, William Richard Penhall, removal of Aboriginal children|url=https://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/lastprotector.htm|access-date=2022-02-12|website=www.southaustralianhistory.com.au}}</ref> Acting Chief Protector of Aborigines, 1939;<ref name=":16" /> Chief Protector of Aborigines, 27 April 1939<ref name=":16">{{Cite news|date=1939-04-27|title=Mr W.R. Penhall Appointed |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131886112|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref> – 1953<ref name="lastgara">{{cite journal|url=http://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p170581/html/review18.xhtml?referer=1272&page=28|via=[[ANU Press]]|journal=Aboriginal History|volume= 34|date= 2010|first=Tom|last=Gara|author-link=Tom Gara|others= ''The Last Protector: The Illegal Removal of Aboriginal Children from their Parents in South Australia'', by Cameron Raynes (2009).|title=[Book review]}}</ref>
*Clarence "Clarrie" Edmund Bartlett,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bartlett, Clarence Edmund (Person) - Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)|url=http://aiatsis.library.link/resource/WVZDm_9w2DI/|access-date=2022-02-12|website=aiatsis.library.link|language=en}}</ref> Chief Protector of Aborigines, 1953 – 1962<ref>{{cite interview|last=Moriarty|first=John|interviewer=Sue Taffe|title=John Moriarty (1938)|url=http://indigenousrights.net.au/person.asp?pID=976|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930100331/http://indigenousrights.net.au/person.asp?pID=976|archive-date=30 September 2009|url-status=dead|work=[[National Museum of Australia]]|date=25 November 1996|author-link=John Kundereri Moriarty}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Aborigines Protection Board|date=1955|title=Report of the Aborigines Protection Board for the year ended 30th June, 1954|url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/digitised_collections/remove/60848.pdf|via=[[AIATSIS]]}}</ref>
The ''Aboriginal Affairs Act 1962'' abolished the position of "Protector."<ref name="lastgara" /> The "Chief Protector" role became the "Director of Aboriginal Affairs." The APB was replaced by the ''Department of Aboriginal Affairs''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Department of Aboriginal Affairs (1963–1970) |url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/sa/SE00070|website=Find & Connect}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=An Act to repeal the Aborigines Act, 1934–1939, and to promote the welfare and advancement of Aborigines and of persons of Aboriginal blood in South Australia and for other purposes.|url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/digitised_collections/remove/54169.pdf}}</ref> The act also created an ''Aboriginal Affairs Board'', whose members were chosen by the governor.

* Colin J Millar, Director of Aboriginal Affairs
* John Millar, Director of Aboriginal Affairs
The Department of Aboriginal Affairs became part of the ''Department of Social Welfare and Aboriginal Affairs'' in 1970. The latter became the ''Department of Social Welfare'' in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Department of Social Welfare and Aboriginal Affairs (1970 - 1972)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/sa/SE00072|website=Find & Connect}}</ref>

In 2018, the South Australian government established the role of "Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People".<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://cacyp.com.au/about-us/ |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Office of the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People |language=en-AU}}</ref> At the role's creation, the Premier Stephen Marshall was quoted saying, "In creating this new position, we have established a highly visible and powerful champion for a segment of our community which has been consistently underrepresented in the past."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People appointed |url=https://www.johngardnermp.com.au/commissioner_for_aboriginal_children_and_young_people_appointed |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=John Gardner - State Member for Morialta |language=en}}</ref>

* April Lawrie, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, 2018<ref>{{Cite web |title=April Lawrie |url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-lawrie-b37521117/}}</ref> – current

==== Other protectors ====
Walter MacDougall and Bob Macaulay were first appointed as "Native Patrol Officers" by the [[Commonwealth government]] for the state's [[RAAF Woomera Range Complex|rocket]] and [[British nuclear tests at Maralinga|nuclear]] testing, and were then also appointed as protectors by the SA government. 
*JP Buttfield
*Walter MacDougall, 1949–1962<ref name="lastgara" /> 
*Bob Macaulay, 1956–1962<ref name="lastgara" />
*Colin J Millar, 1956–1962, (also Superintendent of Reserves for the APB)<ref name="lastgara" />

==== List of Protectors of Aborigines ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Years !! Protector !! Title / Notes
|-
| 1836-1837 || [[George Stevenson (editor)|George Stevenson]] || Interim
|-
| 1837 || [[Walter Bromley]] || Interim
|-
| 1837-1839 || [[William Wyatt (settler)|William Wyatt]] || Interim
|-
| 1839-1856 || [[Matthew Moorhouse]] || 
|-
| 1856-1857 || [[Charles Bonney]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1857 || [[William Milne (politician)|William Milne]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1857-1859 || Charles Bonney || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1859-1860 || William Milne || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1860-1861 || [[Henry Strangways]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1861-1868 || John Walker || (Edward Bate Scott was Acting Protector in 1867)
|-
| 1868 || [[William Townsend (mayor)|William Townsend]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1868 || [[Lavington Glyde]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1868-1870 || [[Wentworth Cavenagh|Wentworth Cavanagh]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1870-1871 || [[Arthur Blyth]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1871-1872 || William Townsend || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1872 || [[Edwin Derrington]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1872-1873 || [[Thomas Reynolds (Australian politician)|Thomas Reynolds]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1873-1875 || [[William Everard (South Australian politician)|William Everard]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1875-1876 || [[James Boucaut]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1876 || [[Thomas Playford II|Thomas Playford]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1876-1877 || [[John Carr (Australian politician, born 1819)|John Carr]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1877-1881 || Thomas Playford || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1881-1882 || [[Alfred Catt]] || Position amalgamated with Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
|-
| 1882-1908 || Edward Hamilton || 
|-
| 1908-1923 || [[William Garnet South]] || In 1912, the title was changed from Protector of Aborigines to Chief Protector of Aborigines
|-
| 1923 || Milroy Trail McLean || Acting
|-
| 1923-1930 || Francis Garnett || 
|-
| 1930-1939 || Milroy Trail McLean || 
|-
| 1939-1953 || William Penhall || 
|-
| 1953-1962 || Clarence Bartlett || 
|}

==== See also ====
* "Survival in our own land: Aboriginal experiences in South Australia since 1836 (Revised Edition)" edited by [[Christobel Mattingley|Christobel Mattingly]] (1992)
* "A little flour and a few blankets: an administrative history of Aboriginal affairs in South Australia" by Cameron Raynes (2002)<ref>{{Cite book|last=Raynes|first=Cameron|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/sa/bib/SP0000103.htm|title=A Little Flour and a Few Blankets: An Administrative History of Aboriginal Affairs in South Australia|publisher=State Records of South Australia|year=2002|isbn=0730862321|location=Adelaide}}</ref>
* "South Australian Aborigines Protection Board (1939-1962) and governance through 'scientific' expertise: a genealogy of protection and assimilation" by Margaret Macilwain (2006)<ref>{{Cite thesis|title=South Australian Aborigines Protection Board (1939-1962) and governance through 'scientific' expertise: a genealogy of protection and assimilation.|url=https://digital.library.adelaide.edu.au/dspace/handle/2440/61981|date=2007|degree=Thesis|first=Margaret|last=Macilwain}}</ref>
* "Colonialism and its aftermath: a history of Aboriginal South Australia" edited by [[Margaret Susan Brock|Peggy Brock]] and Tom Gara (2017)

=== Northern Territory, North Australia and Central Australia ===
From 1863 to 1911, the [[Northern Territory]] was a territory of South Australia. In 1864, the first "Protector of Aborigines" for the Territory was appointed. A public set of instructions for the Protector was published in 1874.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1874-01-09|title=Government of the Northern Territory.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3142282|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref> For a long time, the Protector was typically also the chief medical officer, coroner and registrar of births, deaths and marriages of the NT.

Protectors of Aborigines:

* Dr [[Francis Edward Goldsmith|Francis Goldsmith]], 1864<ref>{{Cite news|date=1864-04-02|title=Appointments for the Northern Territory.|work=Adelaide Observer|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159523469|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref>–1865<ref>{{Cite news|date=1865-08-28|title=Resignation of Dr. Goldsmith.|work=Adelaide Express|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207603631|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref>
* Dr Robert Peel,<ref>{{Cite news|date=1894-01-20|title=The Late Dr. Peel.|work=South Australian Chronicle|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92858880|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref> 1865
* Dr James Stokes Millner,<ref>{{Cite news|date=1875-03-08|title=Dr. Millner|work=Evening Journal|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197679241|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1875-03-13|title=James Stokes Millner.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3143935|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref> 1865<ref>{{Cite news|date=1865-09-15|title=Agricultural Politics.|work=South Australian Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article41032672|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>–1874<ref>{{Cite news|date=1874-12-22|title=Northern Territory.|work=Express and Telegraph|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208175543|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>
* Dr Samuel Kitching Ellison, acting, 1873<ref>{{Cite news|date=1873-10-17|title=The Government Gazette.|work=Evening Journal|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197670325|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>
* Dr Robert J Morice, 1877<ref>{{Cite news|date=1877-06-29|title=Appointments.|work=South Australian Register|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article40790696|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>–1884<ref>{{Cite news|date=1884-12-19|title=The North Australian.|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47993398|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref>
* Dr Percy Moore Wood, 1884<ref>{{Cite news|date=1884-12-20|title=Northern Territory Times|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3156889|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref>–1889
* Dr Henry Howard Bovill, acting, 1887<ref>{{Cite news|date=1887-11-05|title=Notice.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3311759|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>
* Dr Leonard Smith O'Flaherty 1889<ref>{{Cite news|date=1889-11-15|title=Appointments.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3315848|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>–1897
* Dr Frederick Goldsmith, 1897<ref>{{Cite news|date=1897-07-09|title=Sale of Leases for Special Purposes.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4173198|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>–1904
* Dr Thomas Edward Fraser Seabook, acting, 1902<ref>{{Cite news|date=1902-03-14|title=Appointment.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4290592|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>
* Dr Kensington Fulton, 1904<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wells|first=Samantha|title=Negotiating Place in Colonial Darwin: Interactions between Aborigines and whites, 1869-1911|url=https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/20051/3364/02Whole.pdf|website=UTS}}</ref>–1906<ref name=":17">{{Cite news|date=1906-12-21|title=Notice.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4345836|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>
* Dr Cecil Lewis Strangman, 1907<ref name=":17">{{Cite news|date=1906-12-21|title=Notice.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4345836|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>–1908
* William George Stretton, 1908<ref>{{Cite news|date=1908-07-24|title=Chief Secretary's Office, Adelaide, June 9th, 1908.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4360273|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>–1911
* Fairfax Ingleram Hassard Finniss, acting, 1910<ref>{{Cite news|date=1910-05-20|title=Northern Territory Times.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3265721|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>

The ''[[Northern Territory Aboriginals Act 1910]]'' (passed by the [[South Australian parliament]]), created the office of "Chief Protector of Aborigines" and the Northern Territory ''Aboriginals Department''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Northern Territory Aboriginals Department (1910 - 1928)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nt/YE00174}}</ref> This department continued after the NT passed to Commonwealth government control in 1911. The powers of the department were then broadened by the ''Aboriginals Ordinance 1918''.

On 1 February 1927, the Northern Territory was split into two territories, [[North Australia]] and [[Central Australia (territory)|Central Australia]]. In 1928, the ''Health and Aboriginals Branch'' of the North Australia administration was established. The roles of "Chief Medical Officer" and "Chief Protector of Aborigines" were simultaneously held by Dr Cecil Cook.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Health and Aboriginals Branch, Northern Territory Administration (1928 - 1930)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nt/YE00193}}</ref>

On 12 June 1931, the two territories were reunited as the Northern Territory. About this time, the North Australian body became the Northern Territory's ''Medical Services, Health and Aboriginals Branch,'' and operated until 1939.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Medical Services, Health and Aboriginals Branch (1931 - 1939)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nt/YE00194}}</ref>

Chief Protectors of Aborigines:

*Dr [[Herbert Basedow]], 1911<ref>{{Cite news|date=1911-04-04|title=Chief Protector of Aborigines|work=Barrier Miner|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45153887|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1911-09-08|title=Resignation of Dr. Basedow.|work=Daily Herald|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105334160|access-date=2022-01-30}}</ref>
*[[Walter Baldwin Spencer]], 1911<ref>[https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nt/YE00032 Kahlin Compound (1913 - 1939)]</ref>–1913<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|date=1913-02-08|title=Federal News.|work=Capricornian|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71993484|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
*William George Stretton, 1913<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|date=1913-02-08|title=Federal News.|work=Capricornian|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71993484|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1914<ref>{{Cite news|date=1920-01-24|title=The Late Mr. W. G. Stretton|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3300500|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
*Henry Ernest Carey, 1914–1918
*Roland James Evans, acting, 1917–1918;<ref>{{Cite news|date=1917-09-27|title=G.N. 177.17.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3285761|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref> 1918<ref>{{Cite news|date=1918-11-23|title=G.N[?] 287.18|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3292881|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1919<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|date=1919-08-16|title=G. N. 181-19.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3297841|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
*Henry Ernest Carey, 1919<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|date=1919-08-16|title=G. N. 181-19.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3297841|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1924
*Nicolas Waters, acting, 1920<ref>{{Cite news|date=1920-01-31|title=G.N. 32-20.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3306121|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1921
*Francis George Burt, acting, 1923<ref>{{Cite news|date=1923-09-22|title=GN 219,23.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3374673|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1924
*Major George Vernon Dudley, 1924<ref>{{Cite news|date=1924-04-03|title=GN 82,24|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3377679|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1927
*Dr [[Cecil Cook (Australia)|Cecil Cook]], North Australia, 1927<ref>{{Cite news|date=1927-03-04|title=GN 53/27|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3385093|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1931
*William Lewis Fothergill, acting North Australia, 1930<ref>{{Cite news|date=1930-06-20|title=G.N. 178/30.|work=Northern Standard|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48053230|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1931<ref>{{Cite news|date=1931-01-16|title=G.N. 14/31.|work=Northern Standard|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48051555|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
*[[Robert Stott]], Central Australia, 1927<ref>{{Cite news|date=1927-03-17|title=Central Australia.|work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232518932|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1928
*Charles Herbert Noblet, Central Australia, 1928<ref>{{Cite news|date=1928-11-15|title=Central Australia.|work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232533257|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1929
*Dr William Bruce Kirkland, Central Australia, 1929<ref>{{Cite news|date=1930-01-16|title=The Territory of Central Australia.|work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232590893|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1931
*Dr Cecil Cook, 1931–1939<ref>[http://uncommonlives.naa.gov.au/contents.asp?cID=56 Reports on actions of Dr Cecil Cook] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819075648/http://uncommonlives.naa.gov.au/contents.asp?cID=56 |date=2006-08-19 }}.</ref><ref>Dr Cook was the Chief Protector of Aborigines during the trial and appeal of [http://uncommonlives.naa.gov.au/contents-long.asp?sID=13 Dhakiyarr Wirrpanda. The first Aboriginal Australian whose case was heard in the High Court] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206165547/http://uncommonlives.naa.gov.au/contents-long.asp?sID=13 |date=2006-02-06 }} (at the [[National Archives of Australia]])</ref><ref>Hossain, Samia. "Norman Haire and Cecil Cook on Procedures of Sterilisation in the Inter-War Period." In Historicising Whiteness: Transnational Perspectives on the Construction of an Identity, edited by Leigh Boucher, Jane Carey, and Katherine Ellinghaus, 454-63. Melbourne: RMIT Publishing, 2007.</ref>
*Dr William Bruce Kirkland, acting, 1935, 1936
*Vincent John White, acting, 1937<ref>{{Cite news|date=1937-04-16|title=Advertising|work=Northern Standard|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49439747|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
*Dr William Bruce Kirkland, acting, 1939
In 1939, the ''Native Affairs Branch'' was established by the passing of the ''Aboriginals Ordinance 1939''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Native Affairs Branch (1939 - 1955)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nt/YE00190}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Aboriginals Ordinance 1939 (1939 - 1953)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/nt/biogs/YE00177b.htm}}</ref> This heralded a new approach to native affairs under the [[Lyons government]]'s [[New Deal for Aborigines]], with [[Ernest Chinnery]] implementing ideas he had used in a similar role in New Guinea.<ref name="RAISING STATUS OF ABORIGINES">{{Cite news |date=1939-02-09 |title=Raising Status of Aborigines |work=Barrier Miner |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48308460 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1939-03-25 |title=New Policy for Aborigines. |work=Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17570468 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>

Directors of Native Affairs:

* [[Ernest Chinnery]], 1939<ref>{{Cite news|date=1939-02-28|title=Territory Natives|work=Northern Standard|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49453732|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1946<ref name="Commonwealth of Australia Gazette">{{Cite news|date=1946-11-28|title=The Northern Territory of Australia.|work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232895546|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
* Francis Herbert Moy,<ref>{{Cite news|date=1982-07-12|title=Obituary|work=Canberra Times|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126883796|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref> 1946<ref name="Commonwealth of Australia Gazette"/>–1953<ref name="nla.gov.au">{{Cite news|date=1953-05-28|title=The Northern Territory of Australia.|work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232890251|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
* Reginald Kevin McCaffery,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-05-17|title=She gave the Alice a spring|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/she-gave-the-alice-a-spring-20080517-gdsdz2.html|access-date=2022-01-26|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref> acting, 1953<ref name="nla.gov.au"/>–1954<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|date=1954-10-28|title=New Director of Welfare Arrives|work=Northern Standard|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49487249|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1955-03-03|title=Offices Abolished, Created, Etc.|work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232896786|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>

The ''Welfare Branch'' replaced the Native Affairs Branch in 1954. This occurred as a result of the passing of the ''[[Welfare Ordinance 1953]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Welfare Branch, Northern Territory Administration (1955 - 1970)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nt/YE00195}}</ref> This combined with the ''[[Wards Employment Ordinance 1953]]'' removed many restrictions on people that were applied because they were deemed "half-castes",<ref>{{Cite news|date=1952-08-08|title=Freedom for Half Castes|work=Northern Standard|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49473629|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref> but now provided the NT government the power to apply the same restrictions on anyone they saw fit.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1953-04-30|title=Darwin ALP Condemns Welfare Bill|work=Northern Standard|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49483988|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1953-05-22|title=Attack on Welfare Bill.|work=Centralian Advocate|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65173718|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1953-06-26|title="Welfare Bill"|work=Centralian Advocate|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65172920|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref> They saw fit to apply these restrictions to all Aboriginal people. The Welfare Branch was reorganised, and operated as the ''Welfare Division'' from 1970 to 1972.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Welfare Division, Northern Territory Administration (1970 - 1972)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nt/YE00206}}</ref>

Director of Welfare:

* [[Harry C. Giese|Harry Giese]], 1954<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|date=1954-10-28|title=New Director of Welfare Arrives|work=Northern Standard|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49487249|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1972<ref>{{Cite news|date=1972-04-11|title=Aboriginal rights meet at the Alice|work=Tribune|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237868654|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>

The ''Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs'' was created on 19 December 1972. The work of the Welfare Division was absorbed by this department (and those of Health and Education) from 1972 until 1974. In 1974 the social welfare function was transferred to the Department of the Northern Territory.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Northern Territory Division (1972 - 1990)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/nt/YE00207}}</ref>

==== Other protectors ====
Other protectors included:
* Rev John Francis Gilbart Huthnance (Roper River)<ref>{{Cite news|date=1908-08-14|title=Chief Secretary's Office, Adelaide, July 15th, 1908.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4360866|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>
* TA Bradshaw (Alice Springs)<ref>{{Cite news|date=1902-04-12|title=The Week.|work=Chronicle|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87820009|access-date=2022-01-31}}</ref>
* JRB O'Sullivan (Daly River)<ref>{{Cite news|date=1921-01-11|title=Protection of Aborigines.|work=Age|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201690137|access-date=2022-02-07}}</ref>
* Private S Roy Burston<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|date=1911-12-08|title=Protectors of Aborigines.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3267842|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
* Dr Mervyn J Holmes<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|date=1911-12-08|title=Protectors of Aborigines.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3267842|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
* James Thornton Beckett<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|date=1911-12-08|title=Protectors of Aborigines.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3267842|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
* James Harcourt Kelly<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|date=1911-12-08|title=Protectors of Aborigines.|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3267842|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
* Robert McDonald<ref>{{Cite news|date=1920-01-03|title=Royal Commission|work=Northern Territory Times and Gazette|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3302910|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
* [[Xavier Herbert]], late 1920s?
* [[William Edward Harney]], 1940–1947

=== Queensland ===
The ''[[Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897]]'' was enacted to improve the life of Aboriginals through the control of their lives. To action this, the offices of ''Northern Protector of Aboriginals'' and ''Southern Protector of Aboriginals'' were created in  1898. They continued until 1904. Frances Meston, the wife of the first Southern Protector, provided protective services to Aboriginal women without payment. This was recognised through the creation of the paid role "''Protector of Aboriginals (Female)''" in 1899.<ref name=":38">{{Cite news |date=1899-11-03 |title=Protection of Aboriginals. |work=Brisbane Courier |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3704719 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>

On 25 March 1904, the ''Office of the Chief Protector of Aboriginals'' was created. Queensland was divided into protectorates, of which there were 95 by 1932, each administered by a local ''Protector of Aboriginals'' (usually a police officer). The local protectors were responsible to the Chief Protector of Aboriginals. Other regulatory changes were also made.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1904-04-02 |title=Protection of Aboriginals. |work=Queenslander |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22262797 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref> From 1908, Thursday Island's indigenous population came under the control of the ''Government Resident'' instead of a local Protector.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=ArchivesSearch {{!}} Queensland State Archives {{!}} Queensland Government|url=https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/agencies/A135|access-date=2022-01-26|website=www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au}}</ref> 

{{anchor|bleakley}}<!---redirects target this anchor--->J.W. Bleakley (1879–1957) became Queensland's Chief Protector of Aboriginals in 1914.<ref name=":14" /> He was well-known across Australia for his knowledge of Aboriginal welfare.<ref name="re1" /> After [[Charles Duguid]], South Australian social reformer and founder of the [[Aborigines' Protection League]], had petitioned prime minister [[Stanley Melbourne Bruce]],<ref name="Kerin">{{cite book |last1=Kerin |first1=Rani |title=Colonialism and its Aftermath: A history of Aboriginal South Australia |date=2017 |publisher=[[Wakefield Press (Australia) |Wakefield Press]] |isbn=9781743054994 |editor1-last=Brock |editor1-first=Peggy |pages=113–130 |chapter=6. Adelaide-based activism in the mid-twentieth century: ''Radical respectability'' |editor2-last=Gara |editor2-first=Tom |chapter-url=https://www.wakefieldpress.com.au/product.php?productid=1385}}</ref> Bleakley was asked in 1928 by the [[Commonwealth Government]] to conduct an inquiry into the welfare into Aboriginal people in central and northern Australia. This has been referred to as the Bleakley Inquiry, and his report, published in January 1929,<ref name="re1" /> often referred to as the ''Bleakley Report'', was officially titled "Report on the Territory, The Aboriginal and Half-Castes of Central Australia and North Australia". The report was the result of on interviews with informed people in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], and [[Adelaide]],<ref>{{cite journal |last=Larbalestier |first=Jan |year=1988 |title="...FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THESE PEOPLE": The Bleakley Report and Aboriginal Workers |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/23169648 |journal=Social Analysis: The International Journal of Social and Cultural Practice |publisher=Berghahn Books |issue=24 |pages=19–33 |issn=0155-977X |jstor=23169648 |access-date=27 November 2023}}</ref> including [[Ngarrindjeri]] man [[David Unaipon]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Philip |date=1990 |title=Australian Dictionary of Biography |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/unaipon-david-8898 |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=David Unaipon}}</ref> The report was critical of race relations,<ref name="re1" /> finding poor living conditions, lack of payment for work, and poorly funded and run government institutions caused hardship. One of his recommendations was that responsibility for Indigenous children should be handed over to [[Christian mission|missions]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bringing them home |url=https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/bringing-them-home-8-history-northern-territory |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=Australian Human Rights Commission}}</ref> Reforms were subsequently considered<ref>{{cite web |author=Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia |date=1930 |title=Report on the administration of North Australia for the year ended the 30™ June, 1929 |url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/digitised_collections/remove/59055.pdf}}</ref> and discussed in government conferences. However, owing to a change of government, which was strongly influenced by farmers, and the arrival of [[Great Depression in Australia]], they were put aside. However one outcome of his report is that it played a key role in the 1931 creation<ref name="re1" /> of a government-run [[Aboriginal reserve]] in [[Arnhem Land]].<ref name="Kerin" />

In 1933, the Protector of Aboriginals (Female) resigned and was not replaced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Protector of Aboriginals (Female) (1897 - 1933) |url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/qld/biogs/QE00339b.htm |website=Find & Connect}}</ref>

The ''Office'' was succeeded by the ''Director of Native Affairs Office'' on 12 October 1939 (after the ''[[Aboriginals Preservation and Protection Act 1939]]'' and ''[[Torres Strait Islander Act 1939]]''<ref name="aiatsisleg">{{cite web|date=10 December 2015|title=Queensland: Legislation / Key Provisions|url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/collections/collections-online/digitised-collections/remove-and-protect/queensland|access-date=3 March 2020|website=Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies}}</ref> were passed).<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=ArchivesSearch {{!}} Queensland State Archives {{!}} Queensland Government|url=https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/agencies/A135|access-date=2022-01-26|website=www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au}}</ref> Bleakley remained the head of this department until 1942.<ref name="re1" />

The department was superseded by the ''Aboriginal and Island Affairs Department'' on 28 April 1966, (due to the passing of the ''[[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Affairs Act 1965]])''.<ref name="aiatsisleg" /><ref>{{cite web | title=Agency Details: Director of Native Affairs Office | website=Basic Search | date=9 September 2016 | url=http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/search/AgencyDetails.aspx?AgencyId=136#bookmarkDescription | access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref>

The ''[[Aborigines Act 1971]]'', in force from 1972 until 1984, legislated the conduct of Aboriginal reserves, and who was allowed to reside in them.<ref name=":41">{{cite web |title=Aborigines Act 1971 |url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/qld/QE00025 |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=Find & Connect}}</ref>  

On 16 Jan 1975 the name of the department was changed to the ''Aboriginal and Islander Advancement Department'' (AIAD). Previous administrations had emphasised protection and preservation of the Aborigines through assimilation into the broader white community; later a policy of equality with the white community was implemented whereby, instead of seeking "exemption" from the provision of the Act, people had to apply for a "Certificate of Entitlement" in order to come under the Act. 

The AIAD was abolished (and the ''Aborigines Act 1971'' was repealed) when the ''Community Services (Aborigines) Act 1984'' and the ''Community Services (Torres Strait) Act 1984'' were passed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ArchivesSearch |website= Queensland State Archives |publisher= Queensland Government|url=https://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/agencies/A143|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref> These acts later became the singular ''Aboriginal Communities (Justice and Land Matters) Act 1984'' and later the ''Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities (Justice, Land and Other Matters) Act 1984'' (which remains in force as of 2024).<ref name=":41" />

Protectors of Aboriginals:
*[[Archibald Meston]], Southern Protector of Aboriginals, 1898–1903
*Dr [[Walter Roth]], Northern Protector of Aboriginals, 1898–1904; Chief Protector of Aboriginals, 1904–1906<ref>{{Cite news |date=1906-05-19 |title=Resignation of Dr. Roth. |work=Brisbane Courier |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19450520 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>
*Richard Baron Howard,<ref>{{Cite news|date=1944-01-21|title=Obituary|work=Courier-Mail|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article42023875|access-date=2022-02-12}}</ref> Acting Chief Protector of Aboriginals, 1904–1905; Chief Protector of Aboriginals, 1906<ref>{{Cite news|date=1906-07-13|title=Protector of Aborigines|work=Telegraph|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175097596|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1914<ref>{{Cite news|date=1914-01-20|title=Protector of Aborigines.|work=Telegraph|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174257934|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>
*John William Bleakley,<ref name="re1">{{Cite web|last=Evans|first=Raymond|title=Bleakley, John William (1879–1957)|url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bleakley-john-william-5272|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|date=1979 |place=Canberra|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |language=en |access-date=2022-01-26| quote= This article was published in hardcopy in Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 7, (Melbourne University Press), 1979}}</ref> Chief Protector of Aboriginals, 1914<ref name=":14">{{Cite news|date=1914-02-06|title=Protector of Aborigines.|work=Daily Standard|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article180937034|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref>–1939; Director of Native Affairs, 1939–1942<ref name="re1" />
*Cornelius O'Leary,<ref>{{Citation|last=Malezer|first=Les|title=O'Leary, Cornelius (1897–1971)|url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/oleary-cornelius-11299|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|place=Canberra|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|language=en|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1971-11-09|title=Death of Former Director|work=Torres News|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article255816738|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref> Director of Native Affairs and Protector of Islanders, 1942–1963<ref>{{Cite web|title=Death of Former Director |work=Torres News |location=Thursday Island, Qld |date=9 November 1971|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article255816738|access-date=2022-01-26|via=Trove|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Patrick Killoran]], Director of Native Affairs, 1963–1966; Director of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs, 1966–1975; Director of the Department of Aboriginal and Islanders Advancement, 1975–1984

Protectors of Aboriginals (Female):
* Margaret Frances Prowse Meston, 1899<ref name=":38" />–1900<ref>{{Cite news |date=1906-04-20 |title=Aborigines Protector. |work=Telegraph |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article187239892 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>
* Mary Easter Frew, 1900<ref>{{Cite news |date=1900-02-05 |title=Official Notifications. |work=Telegraph |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article173553215 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>–1906<ref>{{Cite news |date=1906-04-21 |title=Protector of Aboriginal Girls. |work=Brisbane Courier |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19445903 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>
* Mary Evelyn McKeown, 1906<ref>{{Cite news |date=1906-06-08 |title=This Morning's News. |work=Brisbane Courier |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19453577 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>–1909<ref name=":39">{{Cite news |date=1909-04-08 |title=Protectress of Aborigines. |work=Telegraph |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article176874564 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>
* Katherine Angela Whipham, 1909<ref name=":39" />–1912<ref>{{Cite news |date=1912-06-04 |title=Personal. |work=Gympie Times and Mary River Mining Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article189215084 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>
* Nurse Emily Beeston, Acting, 1910;<ref>{{Cite news |date=1910-05-07 |title=Official Notifications. |work=Telegraph |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188188050 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref> Protector, ''c.'' 1912–1916<ref name=":40">{{Cite news |date=1916-01-14 |title=Government Appointments. |work=Daily Standard |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article181532272 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>
* Nurse Annie Eleanor Sullivan, 1916<ref name=":40" />–1933<ref>{{Cite news |date=1933-06-03 |title=Personal. |work=Brisbane Courier |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22182213 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>

=== Western Australia ===
Concerns about the outcomes of interaction between Western Australian Aborigines and European settlers led to the creation of two ''Protector of Aborigines'' positions in 1839. One position was based in [[Perth]], and the other in [[York, Western Australia|York]].
*Captain Gayner,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Nettelbeck|first=Amanda|title=Indigenous Rights and Colonial Subjecthood: Protection and Reform in the Nineteenth-Century British Empire|year=2019|pages=63}}</ref> Protector of Aborigines, 1839<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=1839-12-28|title=Classified Advertising|work=Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article638848|access-date=2022-01-25}}</ref>–1840<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|date=1840-01-18|title=Classified Advertising|work=Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article638828|access-date=2022-01-25}}</ref>
*[[Charles Augustus John Symmons]], Protector of Aborigines (Perth), 1839<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=1839-12-28|title=Classified Advertising|work=Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article638848|access-date=2022-01-25}}</ref>–1858
*[[Peter Barrow]], Protector of Aborigines (York), 1840<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|date=1840-01-18|title=Classified Advertising|work=Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article638828|access-date=2022-01-25}}</ref>–1841
*[[Rivett Henry Bland]], Protector of Aborigines (York), 1841–1848<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|date=1848-09-06|title=Advertising|work=Inquirer|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65770796|access-date=2022-01-25}}</ref>
*[[Walkinshaw Cowan]], Protector of Aborigines (York), 1848<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|date=1848-09-06|title=Advertising|work=Inquirer|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65770796|access-date=2022-01-25}}</ref>–1858
*Thomas Newte Yule,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Early Days|url=https://fremantlestuff.info/earlydays/7/erickson2.html|access-date=2022-01-26|website=fremantlestuff.info}}</ref> Acting Protector of Aborigines (York), 1855<ref>{{Cite news|date=1845-02-22|title=Annual Report of the Protector of Natives for the York District.|work=Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article645691|access-date=2022-01-25}}</ref>
The two Protector roles were abolished at the end of 1858 because it was thought that there was then good concord between the Aborigines and the Europeans of the colony. In particular, the Europeans were now making less complaints.

In 1882, the concerns of people like [[J. B. Gribble|John Gribble]] led to the WA Government commissioning the ''Fairburn Report'' into the welfare of Aborigines. This revealed slavery of Aborigines on European-run farms and other abuses.

The ''[[Aborigines Protection Act 1886]]'' was passed in response. It made it illegal for employers to employ an Aborigine with there being an independently witnessed written contract. The contract could be no longer than 12 months. It also required employers to provide these contracted employees with food, clothing, blankets and annual leave. But there was no requirement for monetary payment. The act also aimed to greatly increase government control over the lives of Aborigines, particularly those deemed to be "half-castes". The ''[[Aboriginal Protection Board|Aborigines Protection Board]]'' was established in 1887<ref>{{Cite news|title=Government Gazette, Thursday, January 6. |page=3 |newspaper=The West Australian |date=7 January 1887 |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3763896|access-date=27 January 2022 }}</ref> to achieve the act's aims. The board employed a number of local protectors across the state to afford protection. The ''Aborigines Act 1889'' made further changes.

* [[Malcolm Fraser (surveyor)|Malcolm Fraser]], Chairman of the Aborigines Protection Board, 1887<ref>{{Cite news|date=1887-01-22|title=Local and General.|work=Eastern Districts Chronicle|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article148604438|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>–1891
* Octavius Burt,<ref>{{Citation|last1=Garis|first1=B. K. De|title=Burt, Octavius (1849–1940)|url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/burt-octavius-5644|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|place=Canberra|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|language=en|access-date=2022-01-27|last2=Stannage|first2=Tom}}</ref> Acting Chairman of the Aborigines Protection Board, 1890<ref>{{Cite news|date=1890-12-05|title=Government Gazette.|work=Inquirer and Commercial News|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67200035|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>
* [[E. T. Hooley|Tim Hooley]], Chairman of the Aborigines Protection Board, 1891<ref>{{Cite news|date=1891-04-24|title=Advertising|work=Inquirer and Commercial News|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66230007|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>–1892<ref name=":12">{{Cite news|date=1892-03-12|title=Government Gazette.|work=Western Mail|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article33073417|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>
* George Walpole Leake,<ref>{{Citation|last=Medcalf|first=M.|title=Leake, George Walpole (1825–1895)|url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/leake-george-walpole-4000|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|place=Canberra|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|language=en|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref> Chairman of the Aborigines Protection Board, 1892<ref name=":12">{{Cite news|date=1892-03-12|title=Government Gazette.|work=Western Mail|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article33073417|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>–1896
* Dr [[Alfred Waylen]], Chairman of the Aborigines Protection Board, 1896<ref>{{Cite news|date=1896-02-01|title=Government Gazette.|work=Northam Advertiser|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article211694533|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>–1898

The ''Aborigines Act 1897'' replaced the board with a new ''Chief Protector of Aborigines'' and the ''Aborigines Department'' from 1 April 1898''.'' The department was given further powers by the ''Aborigines Act 1905''. The Chief Protector was the legal guardian of every Aboriginal child in Western Australia to the age of 16 years with the power to remove Aboriginal children from their families and place them in Homes or in "service" (work).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chief Protector of Aborigines (1898 - 1936)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/wa/WE00499}}</ref>

The [[Moseley Royal Commission]] was set up in 1934 to examine proposals to extend the powers of the Chief Protector, and the policy of removal of children from their parents. Agitation by critics, and the resulting media coverage in London,<ref>{{cite news|date=27 June 1935|title=Commissioner's Report.|page=19|newspaper=[[The West Australian]]|location=Perth|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32862235|access-date=19 January 2013|via=Trove}}</ref> and locally,<ref>{{cite news|date=17 October 1934|title=Welfare of Aborigines.|page=11|newspaper=[[The West Australian]]|location=Perth|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32807062|access-date=19 January 2013|via=Trove}}</ref> had drawn attention to the welfare of Aborigines in the state. A series of submissions detailed accusations of child slavery, abuse and mistreatment, and evidence was given by mothers of children who had been removed from them. The commission produced a report citing problems with the current policy, and concluded that the recommendations of [[A. O. Neville|Chief Protector Neville]] be followed.<ref>{{Citation|author1=Western Australia. Royal Commission Appointed to Investigate, Report and Advise Upon Matters in Relation to the Condition and Treatment of Aborigines|title=Report of the Royal Commissioner appointed to investigate, report, and advise upon matters in relation to the condition and treatment of Aborigines|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/27179059|publication-date=1935|publisher=Fred. Wm. Simpson, Government Printer|access-date=19 January 2013|author2=Moseley, Henry Doyle}}</ref>

In response, the ''Native Administration Act 1936'' made changes. The department was renamed the ''Department of the Native Affairs,'' and the department's ''Commissioner'' was now the legal guardian of every Aboriginal person in Western Australia to the age of 21 years.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Commissioner for Native Affairs (1936 - 1954)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/wa/WE00553}}</ref> The ''Child Welfare Act 1947'' allowed for Indigenous children to be made "wards of the state" and be outside of these powers.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|title=Commissioner of Native Welfare (1954 - 1972)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/wa/WE00554}}</ref>

The ''Native Welfare Act 1954'' evolved this department into the ''Department of Native Welfare''. From 1963, the Commissioner ceased to be guardian of Aboriginal young people, and instead became responsible for their "custody, maintenance and education." The department became part of the multiracial ''Department of Community Welfare'' in 1972.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|title=Commissioner of Native Welfare (1954 - 1972)|url=https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/guide/wa/WE00554}}</ref>
*[[Henry Charles Prinsep]],<ref>{{Citation|last=Staples|first=A. C.|title=Prinsep, Henry Charles (Harry) (1844–1922)|url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/prinsep-henry-charles-harry-8119|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|place=Canberra|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|language=en|access-date=2022-01-26}}</ref> Chief Protector of Aborigines, 1898–1907<ref>{{Cite news|date=1898-05-14|title=News in Brief.|work=Daily News|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82658410|access-date=2022-01-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87173310 |title=Golden Wedding. |newspaper=[[Bunbury Herald]] |location=Western Australia |date=9 March 1918 |access-date=23 November 2013 |page=6 |via=Trove}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28833880 |title=News and notes|newspaper=[[The West Australian]] |location=Perth |date=12 December 1907 |access-date=23 November 2013 |page=7 |via=Trove}}</ref>
*[[Charles Frederick Gale]], Chief Protector of Aborigines, 1907–1915<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99839213 |title=South and West Australia. |newspaper=[[The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express]] |location=New South Wales |date=20 December 1907 |access-date=23 November 2013 |page=34 |via=Trove}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37595031 |title=Our Calendar |newspaper=[[Western Mail (Western Australia)|Western Mail]] |location=Perth |date=5 November 1915 |access-date=23 November 2013 |page=31 |via=Trove}}</ref>
*[[Auber Octavius Neville]], Chief Protector of Aborigines, 1915<ref>{{Cite news|date=1915-03-25|title=Telegrams.|work=Geraldton Guardian|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66681107|access-date=2022-01-25}}</ref>–1936; Commissioner of Native Affairs, 1936–1940<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37981881 |title=Internal Troubles|newspaper=[[Western Mail (Western Australia)|Western Mail]] |location=Perth |date=23 February 1917 |access-date=23 November 2013 |page=29 |via=Trove}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49629759 |title=Former Public Servant dies at home|newspaper=[[The West Australian]] |location=Perth |date=20 April 1954 |access-date=23 November 2013 |page=7 |via=Trove}}</ref>
*Francis Illingworth Bray,<ref>{{Cite news|date=1940-10-12|title=Native Affairs.|work=West Australian|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article46743246|access-date=2022-02-12}}</ref> Commissioner of Native Affairs, 1940–1947<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74941092 |title=Native Affairs. |newspaper=[[The Northern Times]] |location=Carnarvon, Western Australia |date=17 October 1940 |access-date=23 November 2013 |page=3 |via=Trove}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47675412 |title=Mr. F. I. Bray Dead|newspaper=[[The West Australian]] |location=Perth |date=7 October 1949 |access-date=24 November 2013 |page=2 |via=Trove}}</ref>
*Charles Lewis McBeath,<ref>{{Cite book|last=McBeath|first=Charles Lewis (Lou)|url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/444443|title=Biographical cuttings on Charles Lewis (Lou) McBeath, former Commissioner of Native Affairs, containing one or more cuttings from newspapers or journals}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1954-12-11|title=She Even Sold Her Wedding Ring|work=Mirror|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75792064|access-date=2022-02-12}}</ref> Acting Commissioner of Native Affairs, 1947–1948<ref>{{Cite web|title=Western Australian Department of Native Affairs {{!}} PilbaraStrike|url=https://www.pilbarastrike.org/content/western-australian-department-native-affairs|access-date=2022-01-26|website=www.pilbarastrike.org}}</ref>
*Stanley Guise Middleton,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stan Middleton |url=https://www.pilbarastrike.org/content/stan-middleton|access-date=2022-01-26|website=www.pilbarastrike.org}}</ref> Commissioner of Native Affairs, 1948–1955; Commissioner of Native Welfare, 1955–1962<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article95696602 |title=Native Affairs. |newspaper=[[Kalgoorlie Miner]] |location=Western Australia |date=28 July 1948 |access-date=23 November 2013 |page=3 |via=Trove}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Kral|first1=Inge|title=Talk, Text and Technology: Literacy and Social Practice in a Remote Indigenous Community|date=2012|publisher=Multilingual Matters|location=Bristol, UK|isbn=9781847697592|page=113|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wI_VXV3L5rYC&pg=PA113|access-date=18 April 2016|chapter=Everything was Different because of the Changing}}</ref>
*[[Nene Gare|Frank Ellis Gare]], Commissioner of Native Welfare, 1962–1972<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilson-Clark|first1=Charlie|title=He heralded a new era for Aborigines |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/02/15/1076779831729.html?from=storyrhs|access-date=18 April 2016|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=16 February 2004}}</ref>

=== Tasmania ===
The ''Committee for the Care and Treatment of Captured Aborigines'' was established by Governor Arthur in 1829. It soon became known as the ''Aborigines Committee''.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://librariestas.ent.sirsidynix.net.au/client/en_AU/tas/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fARCHIVES_AGENCIES$002f0$002fARCHIVES_AGE_DIX:TA261/one |title=Committee for the Care and Treatment of Captured Aborigines |date=1830-02-17}}</ref> In February 1831, it's member [[George Augustus Robinson]] was appointed to a paid position by the government "with a view of opening an amicable intercourse friendly communication with the whole of the black population of this Island."<ref>{{Cite news |date=1831-02-19 |title=Advertising |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/264594014 |access-date=2024-10-29 |work=Hobart Town Gazette}}</ref> This task soon became rounding up Tasmania's remaining indigenous population, and confining them to the [[Wybalenna Aboriginal Establishment]] on [[Flinders Island]]. Deemed to have finished this task in 1835, he then became the Establishment's Superintendent.

The ''Cape Barren Island Reserve Act 1912'' made the Secretary for Lands, "charged with the duty of promoting the welfare and well-being of the residents of the Reserve, and of carrying out the provisions of this Act."<ref>{{Citation |title=The Cape Barren Island Reserve Act 1912 (3 Geo v, No 16) |url=http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/tas/num_act/tcbira19123gvn16334/ |access-date=2022-02-28}}</ref> This reserve was understood to be where all Tasmanians of Aboriginal ancestry lived. The 1912 Act was replaced by the ''Cape Barren Island Reserve Act 1945'', under which no-one was charged with the protection of its residents.

* Edward Albert Counsel,<ref>{{Citation |last=Elias |first=Ann |title=Counsel, Edward Albert (1849–1939) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/counsel-edward-albert-5789 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |place=Canberra |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |language=en |access-date=2022-02-28}}</ref> Secretary for Lands (and charged under the relevant Act), 1912–1924<ref>{{Cite news |date=1939-08-10 |title=Obituary – Mr. E. A. Counsel |work=Mercury |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25618575 |access-date=2022-02-28}}</ref>
* [[William Nevin Tatlow Hurst|William Nevin Hurst]], Secretary for Lands, 1924–1938
* Colin Mackenzie Pitt,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-04-18 |title=Death of Mr. C. M. Pitt |work=Advocate |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69467973 |access-date=2022-02-28}}</ref> Acting Secretary for Lands, 1938; Secretary for Lands (and charged under the relevant Act), 1939–1945<ref>{{Cite web |title=Colin Pitt {{!}} Monument Australia |url=https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/government---state/display/70199-colin-pitt |access-date=2022-02-28 |website=monumentaustralia.org.au}}</ref>

=== Papua and New Guinea ===
The [[Territory of Papua]] was given by the UK to Australia in 1902. It established a ''Department of Native Affairs and Control'' in 1910.<ref name=":33">{{Cite news |date=1910-06-01 |title=Government Gazette Appointments and Employment |work=Territory of Papua Government Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249132457 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>

The [[Territory of New Guinea]] was captured from Germany by Australia during [[World War I]]. The [[League of Nations]] granted it to Australia as a [[League of Nations mandate]] in 1919. It appointed a ''Protector of Natives'' in 1921,<ref name=":34" /> who was made the head of a new ''Department of Native Affairs'' in 1922.<ref name=":30" />

The ''Native Administration Regulations, 1924'' were enacted in New Guinea and the ''Native Regulations, 1939'' were enacted in Papua in their respective years.

Papua:

* Bertram William Bramell,<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Bramell |first1=B. W. |url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/1884570 |title=Papers of B. W. Bramell |last2=Guilianetti |first2=A. |last3=Guilianetti |first3=A. |date=1897}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{Cite book |last=Lewis |first=DC |url=https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/132636/1/JPH_Plantation_Dream.pdf#page=308 |title=The Plantation Dream: Developing British New Guinea and Papua, 1884-1942 |publisher=The Journal of Pacific History |year=1996 |location=Canberra |pages=279}}</ref> Commissioner of Native Affairs and Control, 1910<ref name=":33" />–1922
* Leslie Livingstone Bell,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1911-03-25 |title=Back From Papua. |work=Prahran Telegraph |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165105294 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref><ref name=":35" /> Acting Commissioner of Native Affairs and Control, ''c.'' 1912;<ref>{{Cite book |last=Territories |first=Australia Department of |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1I7oDI8N3JcC |title=Annual Report of the Territory of Papua |date=1912 |publisher=A.J. Arthur, Commonwealth Government Printer |language=en}}</ref> Commissioner of Native Affairs and Control, 1922<ref name=":35" />–1926<ref name=":35" />
* James Thomas O'Malley,<ref name=":36">{{Cite web |title=Vol. XII, No. 8 (16 Mar., 1942) |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-314906600 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{Cite web |title=Vol. 63 No. 3237 (25 Feb 1942) |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-532562281 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":35" /> Commissioner of Native Affairs and Control, 1926<ref name=":36" />–1940<ref name=":37" />

New Guinea:
* Henry Clare Cardew,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol. 38, No. 1 ( Jan. 1, 1967) |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-326212346 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref> Protector of Natives, 1921<ref>{{Cite news |date=1921-12-16 |title=New Guinea |work=Daily News |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article83119171 |access-date=2022-05-10}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{Cite web |title=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette - 31 Dec 1921 |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232184037 |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref>–1922;<ref name=":30">{{Cite news |date=1922-01-26 |title=Territory of New Guinea. |work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232525750 |access-date=2022-05-10}}</ref> Commissioner of Native Affairs, 1922<ref name=":30" />–1928<ref name=":31">{{Cite news |date=1928-05-04 |title=Local and General News |work=Papuan Courier |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251064398 |access-date=2022-05-10}}</ref> 
* [[Ernest Chinnery]], Commissioner of Native Affairs, 1928<ref name=":31" />–1932;<ref name=":32">{{Cite news |date=1932-12-23 |title=Native Affairs in New Guinea |work=Daily Telegraph |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247310954 |access-date=2022-05-10}}</ref> Director of District Services and Native Affairs, 1932<ref name=":32" />–1939<ref name="RAISING STATUS OF ABORIGINES"/>
* Robert Melrose,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ParlInfo - Death of Mr R Melrose |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22media/pressrel/HPR10009114%22;src1=sm1 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au}}</ref> Director of District Services and Native Affairs, ''c.'' 1939–''c.'' 1945
[[World War II]] (1939-1945) disrupted the administration of the two territories greatly. After the war, a single ''Department of District Services and Native Affairs'' administered both territories. The [[Papua and New Guinea Act 1949]] officially brought together the two colonies under a single administration, though they retained separate legal systems.

In 1950, regulations were made restricting natives from being on the street in towns between 9pm and 6am, unless they had permission from their employer or the police.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1950-09-28 |title=Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Regulations No. 9 of 1950. Regulations Made Under the "Native Regulations Ordinance, 1908-1930," of the Territory of Papua. |work=Territory of Papua and New Guinea Government Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249427228 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1950-09-28 |title=Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Regulations No. 10 of 1950. Regulations Made Under the "Native Regulations Ordinance, 1921-1938," of the Territory of New Guinea. |work=Territory of Papua and New Guinea Government Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249427226 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1950-10-27 |title=Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Native Regulations, 1939. Notice Pursuant to Regulation 73 (1). |work=Territory of Papua and New Guinea Government Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249427296 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1950-10-27 |title=Territory of Papua and New Guinea. Native Administration Regulations 1924. Notice Pursuant to Regulation 80 (1). |work=Territory of Papua and New Guinea Government Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249427297 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref> Also that year, the ''Native Labour Ordinance 1950'' was enacted, determining how native people could be employed. Both were administered by the Director.
* Edward Taylor,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hasluck |first=Paul |url=https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1070131/document/5519457.PDF#page=26 |title=The Government and the People 1942-1945, Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Series 4, Vol.2 'Civilians in Wartime Papua-New Guinea' |year=1970 |location=Canberra}}</ref> Acting Director of District Services and Native Affairs, 1945<ref>{{Cite news |date=1946-07-23 |title=Public Service of the Provisional Administration of Papua-New Guinea. Appointments. |work=Territory of Papua-New Guinea Government Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249060238 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>–''c.'' 1947
* [[Bert Jones (public servant)|Bert Jones]], Acting Director of District Services and Native Affairs, ''c.'' 1947;<ref>{{Cite news |date=1947-09-10 |title=Stores Purchase and Supply Board. |work=Territory of Papua-New Guinea Government Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249060853 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref> Director of District Services and Native Affairs, 1948<ref>{{Cite news |date=1948-09-17 |title=Petroleum Advisory Boards. |work=Territory of Papua-New Guinea Government Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249061491 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1948-11-27 |title=Forsayth Prize Fund Trust Ordinance 1941 of the Territory of New Guinea. Appointment of Trustees. |work=Territory of Papua-New Guinea Government Gazette |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249061630 |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>–1953<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol. XXIV, No. 5 ( Dec. 1, 1953) |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-325569772 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Ivan Champion]], Acting Director of District Services and Native Affairs, 1949<ref>{{Citation |last=Ballard |first=Chris |title=Champion, Ivan Francis (1904–1989) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/champion-ivan-francis-12306 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |place=Canberra |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |language=en |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>–1951<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol. XXII, No. 2 (Sept., 1951) |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-318261487 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref>
* Albert Allen Roberts,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vale, March 1984 |url=https://pngaa.net/Vale/vale_mar84.htm |website=Papua New Guinea Association of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Roberts, Albert Allen (Major, MC, Intelligence Section, RAAF, ANGAU and AIB, AIF b.1904 - d.1984) |url=https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C92992 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=www.awm.gov.au |language=en}}</ref> Director of District Services and Native Affairs, 1953<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol. XXIV, No. 5 ( Dec. 1, 1953) |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-325569772 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref>–''c.'' 1960
* [[John Keith McCarthy]], Director of Native Affairs, 1960<ref>{{Citation |last=Nelson |first=H. N. |title=McCarthy, John Keith (1905–1976) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mccarthy-john-keith-10910 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |place=Canberra |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |language=en |access-date=2022-05-11}}</ref>–''c.'' 1964
In the mid 1960s, the ''Department of Native Affairs'' became the ''Department of District Administration'', gaining a more general service delivery focus as the territory was moving towards independence.

== See also ==
* [[Bureau of Indian Affairs]]
* [[Indian Agent (Canada)]]
* [[Indian Agent]] (United States)
* [[Department of Aboriginal Affairs (Western Australia)]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://firstsourcesguide.com/protectors-reports-1839-1950s.html Protector's Annual Reports: 1839-1950s] &nbsp;—First Sources
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070808083502/http://www.sro.wa.gov.au/pdfs/cpaf-intro.pdf An Index to the Chief Protector of Aborigines (Western Australia) Files 1898–1908)] (PDF) 
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070607054603/http://www.mup.unimelb.edu.au/catalogue/0-522-84744-7.html Black Robinson: Protector of Aborigines. Vivienne Rae-Ellis. A controversial study of George ('Black') Robinson, first Chief Protector of Aborigines in Australia] &nbsp;—Melbourne University Press
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060215092550/http://www.atmitchell.com/journeys/social/indigenous/robinson.cfm George Augustus Robinson, was a NSW Chief Protector of Aborigines in the early 1800s, George Augustus Robinson]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051210144304/http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/heritage/collection/8.cfm NSW State Library Protector of Aborigines Heritage Collection – the journals and papers of George Augustus Robinson (1791-1866)]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060104063947/http://www.access.prov.vic.gov.au/public/PROVguides/PROVguide067/PROVguide067.jsp Public Record Office Victoria online catalogue "VPRS 2895 Chief Protector of Aborigines: Outward Letter Book 1848–1850 ... VPRS 4399 Duplicate Annual Reports for the Chief Protector of Aborigines 1845– ..."]

[[Category:History of Australia (1788–1850)]]
[[Category:Indigenous Australian politics]]
[[Category:History of Indigenous Australians]]
[[Category:Defunct organisations serving Indigenous Australians]]