After the 1937 Conference on Aboriginal Welfare, governments' policy emphasis began to focus on social welfare and a policy of assimilation was emerging. John McEwan's 'New Deal' for Aboriginal peoples of the Northern Territory was launched in 1939.
1939 to 1943 saw changes in the Protection Acts in New South Wales. In 1940 the name of the Aborigines Protection Board was changed to the Aborigines Welfare Board, and provision for two Aboriginal members of the board was made.
William Ferguson served from 1944 until his death in early 1950. The 1943 Act made provisions for Aboriginal peoples to apply to the Board for an exemption to the provisions of the Act. Exemption could be granted and revoked at the Board’s discretion.