The wool ban was lifted as a result of guarantees made to McLeod by Native Affairs officer Sydney Elliott-Smith, but the Western Australian government bowed to Pastoralists’ Association and the Australian Workers’ Union protests and denied that any agreement had been made. Nevertheless, the strikers’ actions, supported by the Seamen’s Union, led to significant concessions being granted by the Department of Native Affairs.

Urgent Telegram on Recognition of McLeod as Aboriginal Representative
Citation

Urgent Telegram on Recognition of McLeod as Aboriginal Representative, Stan Middleton to Sydney Elliot-Smith, 27 July 1949, SROWA, 1949/0454/73.

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