Despite the government’s denial that any agreement had been reached, the strikers’ activism led to a commitment on the part of the Department to ensure that the strikers’ wage demands were met.

Ensuring the Strikers' Wage Demands Were Met
Citation

Sydney Elliott-Smith to Stan Middleton, 14 August 1949, SROWA, 1949/0454/84.

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Urgent Telegram on Recognition of McLeod as Aboriginal Representative

Submitted by scollini on Wed, 10/17/2018 - 12:29

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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.