The papers of Charles Perkins contain correspondence, cuttings, subject files, reports, meeting papers, cassette tapes, copies of official records, inquiry transcripts, speeches, and printed matter documenting his life and career from his early sporting achievements in the 1950s until his consultancy work in the early 1990s. The collection contains material relating to Perkins' involvement in a range of Aboriginal organisations including Student Action for Aborigines, the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI), Aboriginal Publications Foundation, National Aboriginal Sports Foundation, Aboriginal Hostels Ltd and the John and Anna Memorial Trust Fund. There are also papers on his career in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal Development Commission. Also included in the collection are papers relating to Perkins' involvement in soccer, both as a player and administrator, and legal papers relating to defamation cases and the inquiries into the administration of Aboriginal affairs.
