This size of family was the norm but is recognised in today's terms as an'extended family'. In 1983, a Family Court worker noted : " [ T ] he strength of family affiliation goes a long way to explain the preservation of a distinct culture that has defied assimilation despite aggressive government policies for over a century . " Constitutionally, " The responsibility for legislating for children's welfare lies with each State and Territory Government in Australia . " The Aboriginal Child Placement Principle was formulated in Australia in the late 1970s and 1980s.