The Chief Protector of Aboriginals Office, established in 1904, was responsible for the welfare of Queensland’s Aboriginal population who were deemed to be State Wards. The Chief Protector operated according to a policy of separation and segregation in relation to Aborigines placed under State control.
From 1898 to 1904, the protection system in Queensland had comprised a Northern Protector (Walter Roth) and a Southern Protector (Archibald Meston). Roth was appointed Chief Protector in 1904.
There was also a position for the Protector of Aborigines (Female), also known as the Protectress. This position remained in existence until 1933 when Mrs. A.E. Sullivan resigned after 17 years in the position. Her resignation was probably a response to a report on the Office of the Chief Protector of Aboriginals conducted in 1932 which had called for the position of female Protector to be abolished. At that time, the duties of the Female Protector were handed over to the female officers of the accounts branch and the responsibility of inspecting Aboriginal girls in employment was transferred to the Inspector of the State Children Department.
In 1939, the Office of the Chief Protector of Aboriginals was succeeded by the Office of the Director of Native Affairs.
From
25 March 1904
To
12 October 1939
Alternative Names
Chief Protector