Late 1960s and early 1970s were a time that saw the rise of protest movements across Australia. Causes included: Opposition to the Vietnam War, Racial equality, Equal rights for women and Environmental protection Protest was not simply between generations ie the young and the old, it was more complex.
The Office of the Status of Women was upgraded to a Division and returned to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The National Wage Case was held. The Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission (ACAC) acknowledged women's work was undervalued and underpaid but said the economy could not afford to pay commensurate wages.