This section focuses on disadvantage experienced by many indigenous people, arising from historical, social and economic causes. However, most indigenous Australians lead rewarding lives contributing to both their family and the wider community.
Education
Since European colonisation of Australia, indigenous Australians have experienced inequality, compared with non-indigenous Australians, across many facets of society. Education is one area where levels of participation, engagement and achievement have been significantly lower amongst indigenous Australians than in the wider population. In 2006 indigenous students were half as likely to continue to Year 12 as non-indigenous students. Non-indigenous Australians are also more likely to complete tertiary education.
Pictures by: Rusty Steward , published on March 3, 2007.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rustystewart/409554705/
Employment
Education has flow-on effects to employment. In 2004-05 the unemployment rate for indigenous Australians (13%) was about three times that of non-indigenous Australians (4%). Having a job is important to living standards, self-esteem and overall well-being, and is also very important for providing basic need to a family. The economic disadvantage of indigenous Australians is also reflected in inequalities in household income and home ownership.
Over-Representation in the Criminal Justice System
Indigenous people, both adults and young people, are highly over-represented in the criminal justice system. In 2006, indigenous Australians were 13 times more likely to be imprisoned than non-indigenous Australians.
Health and Well-being
The stark disparity between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians’ health is shown most clearly in life expectancy statistics –indigenous life expectancy is 17 years lower than non-indigenous Australians. The disparity begins at birth - the infant mortality rate for indigenous children is significantly higher than for non-indigenous children. Health and well-being are influenced by a complex range of factors, including income, education, access to adequate health care, environmental impacts and lifestyle factors. Suicide and self-harm is a cause of great grief and distress in some indigenous communities. Suicide death rates for indigenous people (between 19 and 45 people per 100 000) were higher than for non-indigenous Australians (between 11 and 16 per 100 000) in Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia for 2001-2005. Domestic violence, child abuse and community violence are complex issues in both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. These problems are related to issues of poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and housing overcrowding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIuK_F80X08&feature=related youtube link to Oxfam “Close the Gap” video on improving indigenous health.
Pictures by: Rusty Steward , published on March 3, 2007.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rustystewart/409555336/
Need for Research-based Government Initiatives
Education, employment, health and well-being are all inter-related and there is a need for a government approach, which addresses all aspects of discrimination and disadvantage. Many different strategies and approaches have been implemented, but so far nothing has closed the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Research-based initiatives are needed to find a policy which works and brings benefits to indigenous Australians. There also needs to be enough funding so that effective policies are implemented everywhere and successful programs are available to everyone.
The Stolen Generation
"The Stolen Generations" refers to the members of the Indigenous Australian community, who, from between the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century, were separated from their families "legally" through legislations passed by the government–the motives of which are debated even today. While official evidence declares that the intentions behind the removal were solely those of child protection and the effort to stabilize the rapid decline of the aboriginal population post-European contact. However, the harsh methods utilized by the officials for the extraction of the children from their homes and families were not appreciated by many people and thus, the " Stolen Generations" became a phrase of many controversies, accusations and defensive statements.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3TZOGpG6cM Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generation .
Source: Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2007 Overview, Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision, Commonwealth of Australia 2007.
Land Rights
Many years the Aboriginal people have been denied their right to their land. Every state now handles the issue of land rights differently. In 1983 the NSW government implemented The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. This act acknowledges that the Aboriginal people are the traditional owners of the land and that due to past Government decisions the Aboriginal people have been denied land without compensation.
The act promotes cooperation between the Government and Aboriginal Land Councils. Together they want to improve the living conditions of the Aboriginal people. Sometimes this includes returning land, but also housing is an important topic in their policies.
Recently the concept of native title has been introduced. It legally recognizes the rights and interests of Aboriginal people in the land and water as defined by their own traditional laws and customs. The difference with land rights is that only the High Court can grant native title. Land rights is an issue the Government deals with.
Source: New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Affairs http://www.daa.nsw.gov.au
Protection of Cultural Heritage
The Aboriginal people have a close connection to the land. They do not only use the land for food resources, but it is very important in their culture, social and spiritual life. They know much of the land and this knowledge is important in maintaining the land. Therefore, they are consulted when something needs to happen on the land. For example, in 2001 the department of Mineral Resources wanted to do research on land that was a place which Aboriginal people used for food collection and found medicinal plants. Together with a local Aboriginal land management council they came up with a plan that satisfied both parties.
Source: New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Affairs http://www.daa.nsw.gov.au
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten