Changing Changing Government Government

polices towards polices towards Aboriginal people Aboriginal people

over time.over time.

Syllabus Focus QuestionsSyllabus Focus Questions

changing government policies towards changing government policies towards Aboriginal peoples over time, including:Aboriginal peoples over time, including:

protectionprotection AssimilationAssimilation IntegrationIntegration self-determinationself-determination the varying experiences of:the varying experiences of:the stolen the stolen

generationsgenerations

SegregationLoss of family

identity

FederationLoss of

Citizenship“Dog License”

Loss offreedom

ProtectionismLoss of land,

kinship,culture

MissionariesLoss of

spiritualism

Terra NulliusLoss of

land

dispossession

The Premiers met at the The Premiers met at the Federation Conference IN 1897.Federation Conference IN 1897.

At that time the Bulletin reported,At that time the Bulletin reported,

"No nigger, chinese, no lasko, no purveyor of cheap "No nigger, chinese, no lasko, no purveyor of cheap coloured labour is an Australian.“coloured labour is an Australian.“

The Australian desert is truly in a primitive state in its The Australian desert is truly in a primitive state in its loneliness and lifelessness–but under federation loneliness and lifelessness–but under federation every dry creek bed and parched billabong should be every dry creek bed and parched billabong should be filled with water and thousands of miles of filled with water and thousands of miles of

productive territory added to our possession'-productive territory added to our possession'-The The BulletinBulletin 1895. 1895.

Paul KeatingPaul Keating ““The starting point for The starting point for

overcoming the problems overcoming the problems besetting the first Australians was besetting the first Australians was an act of recognition…that it was an act of recognition…that it was we who did the dispossessing. We we who did the dispossessing. We took the traditional land and took the traditional land and smashed the traditional way of smashed the traditional way of life. We brought the diseases. We life. We brought the diseases. We brought the alcohol. We brought the alcohol. We committed the murders. We took committed the murders. We took the children from their mothers. the children from their mothers. We practiced discrimination and We practiced discrimination and exclusion. It was our ignorance exclusion. It was our ignorance and our prejudice, and our failure and our prejudice, and our failure to imagine these things being to imagine these things being done to us.”done to us.”

Changing Policies: Why?Changing Policies: Why?

Government policies towards Government policies towards Indigenous Australians began Indigenous Australians began as a response to racial as a response to racial stereotypes and economic stereotypes and economic needs for land and resources.needs for land and resources.

These policies changed over These policies changed over time because of activism by time because of activism by Indigenous Australians and the Indigenous Australians and the pressure of changing ideas in pressure of changing ideas in the world about human rightsthe world about human rights

When Britain colonized in other places they When Britain colonized in other places they reconised the indigenous people owned the land by reconised the indigenous people owned the land by signing treaties with them. This did not happen with signing treaties with them. This did not happen with Australia’s Aboriginal people.Australia’s Aboriginal people.

From the very beginning the British had declared the From the very beginning the British had declared the land ‘land ‘Terra Nullius’Terra Nullius’ (land of no one). This was (land of no one). This was legal as in the 18th Century it was widely thought legal as in the 18th Century it was widely thought that if land was found that did not belong to anyone that if land was found that did not belong to anyone it could be taken and claimed. Captain Cook declared it could be taken and claimed. Captain Cook declared it so in 1770 when he first made sight of Australia.it so in 1770 when he first made sight of Australia.

Throughout the 19th century white settlers Throughout the 19th century white settlers gradually moved the Aboriginal people off their gradually moved the Aboriginal people off their land and into reserves. The indigenous people land and into reserves. The indigenous people were forced to experience dispossession and were forced to experience dispossession and paternalism.paternalism. In strictly legal terms they did In strictly legal terms they did not exist.not exist.

Paternalism is the practice of acting like a father, Paternalism is the practice of acting like a father, treating someone like a child, making decisions for treating someone like a child, making decisions for them without allowing them responsibility.them without allowing them responsibility.

The reserves were established to fix the initial The reserves were established to fix the initial dispossession of land, as each colony passed laws dispossession of land, as each colony passed laws most Aboriginals became wards of the state.most Aboriginals became wards of the state.

It was not long before more land was needed for It was not long before more land was needed for farming and these reserves were taken back by farming and these reserves were taken back by the government. By the late 1920s nearly all were the government. By the late 1920s nearly all were in the hands of lease holders.in the hands of lease holders.

CHANGING POLICIESCHANGING POLICIESConsider events , internationally that might impact on internal Consider events , internationally that might impact on internal

policypolicy

Protectionism 1886-1938 ?Protectionism 1886-1938 ? Assimilation1938- ?Assimilation1938- ? Integration1962-1967 ?Integration1962-1967 ? Self Determination1967- ?Self Determination1967- ? Multiculturalism ?Multiculturalism ? Reconciliation?Reconciliation?

Protection Boards 1911Protection Boards 1911

all states and all states and territories (not TAS) territories (not TAS) passed some form of 'protection‘ passed some form of 'protection‘ legislation with an emphasis on legislation with an emphasis on segregation and restriction.segregation and restriction.

Colonies passed “Aboriginal Colonies passed “Aboriginal Protection Acts” that made all Protection Acts” that made all indigenous ards of the State.indigenous ards of the State.

The responsibilities of the Protection The responsibilities of the Protection Boards was to manage reserves. Some Boards was to manage reserves. Some were run by the state and some were were run by the state and some were run by Church groups who felt the run by Church groups who felt the need to christianize the ‘heathens’need to christianize the ‘heathens’

““A: A: to civilise, Christianise and above all to civilise, Christianise and above all train Aborigines on stations established for train Aborigines on stations established for the purpose; the purpose; B: to remove as many children as possible B: to remove as many children as possible from their 'bad' environment and parental from their 'bad' environment and parental 'influence' to training homes and thence to 'influence' to training homes and thence to 'situations' [work] with white families;'situations' [work] with white families;””

Aims/Purposes

OutlineOutline 1838-1940s1838-1940s Aboriginal people were removed from their Aboriginal people were removed from their

traditional lands and placed on reserves traditional lands and placed on reserves (government-run) or missions (church-run) ‘for their (government-run) or missions (church-run) ‘for their own protection’, as they were a ‘dying race’. own protection’, as they were a ‘dying race’.

policy of segregation to forece white culture under policy of segregation to forece white culture under the control of the authorities and they could be the control of the authorities and they could be ‘civilised’ and ‘christianised’. ‘civilised’ and ‘christianised’.

land previously occupied by Aborigines to become land previously occupied by Aborigines to become farming land. farming land.

ControlsControls Aborigines had to seek Aborigines had to seek

permission to marry, to work permission to marry, to work or to move somewhere else to or to move somewhere else to live. live.

‘‘Mixed’ children removed Mixed’ children removed from, the Stolen Children, and from, the Stolen Children, and brought up with white families brought up with white families and taught ‘useful’ skills such and taught ‘useful’ skills such as domestic work and simple as domestic work and simple trades. They were labelled as trades. They were labelled as neglected and destitute and neglected and destitute and Australian governments had Australian governments had had a long policy of removing had a long policy of removing children ‘at risk’ from their children ‘at risk’ from their families. It happened on a families. It happened on a large scale with Aboriginal large scale with Aboriginal children.children.

ControlsControls

The ‘Protector’ The ‘Protector’ controlled: controlled: – MoneyMoney– EducationEducation– Custody of childrenCustody of children– MarriagesMarriages– MovementsMovements– Kicking people off Kicking people off

reservesreserves

Reaction: Coranderrk Reaction: Coranderrk Women 1880Women 1880

Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve in Victoria became a site of Aboriginal activism and the Coranderrk people gained a reputation amongst white authorities as 'trouble-makers' because they continually defended their rights through strikes, deputations and petitions. Women were active in several of the campaigns, including strikes and walk-off

Training to be whiteTraining to be whiteKinchela Boys and Cootamundra Girls Kinchela Boys and Cootamundra Girls

HomesHomes

Day of Mourning 1938Day of Mourning 1938

Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls Training Home

AssimilationAssimilation

Although Protection Boards were replaced by Welfare Boards in most states between 1938-1951, with the idea of Aboriginals being able to retain some of their culture, officially the policy was not legislated till 1951

change in change in policypolicy but not necessarily but not necessarily a change in reality. a change in reality.

Created in the Created in the 1937 Conference 1937 Conference for Comm. And for Comm. And State Terr. State Terr.

‘‘think white, act think white, act white, be white’white, be white’

It forced Aborigines It forced Aborigines to abandon their to abandon their traditional way of traditional way of life if they wanted life if they wanted to gain access to to gain access to rights away from rights away from reservesreserves

Outline

AimsAims

Aimed to have all persons of Aboriginal blood or mixed blood living like white Australians (Sharman stone)

Aborigines encourages to become like white Australians and would have the same rights as white Australians (must forget their own culture).

Dog Tags Exemption Dog Tags Exemption Certificates Certificates

ControlsControls Exemption certificates issues by district welfare

officers: aborigines had to apply for exemptions (exceptions or permission) to achieve equal rights- proving they wanted to live in white society and adopt white customs. Spending or sending money to other non-exempted family members was disallowed

If you could not prove this, and could not be granted an exemption certificate, you life would be heavily controlled- children could be removed, go to segregated schools, couldn’t access welfare or pensions, denied access to hotels and alcohol.

controlscontrols discrimination continued in all areas including discrimination continued in all areas including

housing, education, health and employment. housing, education, health and employment. Racism and intolerance continued, and many Racism and intolerance continued, and many

Aborigines were forced to live on the fringes of Aborigines were forced to live on the fringes of towns and were prevented from using public towns and were prevented from using public facilities such as town baths. facilities such as town baths.

Even returned Aboriginal soldiers were denied the Even returned Aboriginal soldiers were denied the same rights as their fellow, white, soldiers. same rights as their fellow, white, soldiers.

In 1962 all Aborigines were given the right to vote In 1962 all Aborigines were given the right to vote in federal elections, which consolidated their in federal elections, which consolidated their voting rights in the states which had been given voting rights in the states which had been given to them at various times between 1949 and 1961 to them at various times between 1949 and 1961 and had made them citizens of Australia. and had made them citizens of Australia.

They were still not counted as Australians in the They were still not counted as Australians in the census. census.

Some stereotypes remained Some stereotypes remained despite changing policiesdespite changing policies

Integration policy 1960s-Integration policy 1960s-19751975

Change in Change in international international attitudes attitudes

Universal Universal Declaration of Declaration of Human rightsHuman rights

American Civil American Civil Rights Rights movement movement

Australian Freedom RidesAustralian Freedom Rides

Outline & AimOutline & Aim change in wording and a relaxing of change in wording and a relaxing of

the harsher aspects of the the harsher aspects of the government’s policies but most of government’s policies but most of the controlling aspects of the controlling aspects of assimilation remained. assimilation remained.

changes seemed to allow Aborigines changes seemed to allow Aborigines to keep some of their cultural ideas, to keep some of their cultural ideas, beliefs and customsbeliefs and customs

It was not a very long-lasting policy. It was not a very long-lasting policy.

Seeking a Double MajoritySeeking a Double MajorityThe 1967 referendum, which gave the federal government power over Aboriginal affairs (instead of the states), was passed with a massive majority. The referendum also contained a question asking that the constitution be changed to allow all Aborigines to be counted in the census. This, too, was passed with a massive majority.

Self DeterminationSelf Determination major change of policy and reality. major change of policy and reality. introduced 1972 by Whitlam governmentintroduced 1972 by Whitlam government Racial Discrimination Act had wider implications Racial Discrimination Act had wider implications

for all future Aboriginal policy makersfor all future Aboriginal policy makers . .

Aim & OutlineAim & Outline Aborigines were to have full control Aborigines were to have full control

over all aspects of their lives. ATSIC over all aspects of their lives. ATSIC was set up to create policy. was set up to create policy. – They were no longer seen as a dying They were no longer seen as a dying

race. race. – They no longer had to be protected. They no longer had to be protected. – They were no longer expected to They were no longer expected to

assimilate or integrate. assimilate or integrate. – They were now full and equal citizens in They were now full and equal citizens in

the eyes of the law. the eyes of the law. – Land rights and native title to traditional Land rights and native title to traditional

lands now became the major issueslands now became the major issues

Gough Whitlam and Vincent Gough Whitlam and Vincent LingiariLingiari

Control Control

ATSIC gave the indigenous people ATSIC gave the indigenous people control over their lives, and laws that control over their lives, and laws that would affect them would affect them

Total self determination has not yet Total self determination has not yet been achieved. been achieved. – Still have land control removedStill have land control removed– Still suffer from disadvantageStill suffer from disadvantage

1975 Racial Discrimination Act1975 Racial Discrimination Act In 1976 the Fraser government passed the Aboriginal In 1976 the Fraser government passed the Aboriginal

Land Rights Act. Aboriginals were allowed to claim Land Rights Act. Aboriginals were allowed to claim ‘crown land’ that was not being used by other people. ‘crown land’ that was not being used by other people. The Aboriginal Lands Council was set up to control this The Aboriginal Lands Council was set up to control this land. Several state governments passed their own land. Several state governments passed their own Land Rights Acts which recognised Aboriginal claims to Land Rights Acts which recognised Aboriginal claims to land.land.

In 1980 a National Federation Land Councils was set In 1980 a National Federation Land Councils was set up. Organisations such as this helped to bring the up. Organisations such as this helped to bring the issue of land rights to the attention of white Australia.issue of land rights to the attention of white Australia.

In 1985 Aboriginal people were given ownership of In 1985 Aboriginal people were given ownership of Ayers Rock, now known by its traditional name of Ayers Rock, now known by its traditional name of Uluru.Uluru.

MULTICULTURALISM

1986 Eddie Mabo begins his case for Native title. 1986 Eddie Mabo begins his case for Native title. In 1992 the High Court determines that the In 1992 the High Court determines that the Meriam people hold native title to their land.Meriam people hold native title to their land.

Native Title Act of 1993 was passed and National Native Title Act of 1993 was passed and National Native Title Tribunal was established.Native Title Tribunal was established.

1996 Wik Decision found that pastoral leases did 1996 Wik Decision found that pastoral leases did not grant exclusive use and did not necessarily not grant exclusive use and did not necessarily extinguish Native Title. extinguish Native Title.

Many people feared Native Title and it was Many people feared Native Title and it was incorrectly believed that Aboriginals would be incorrectly believed that Aboriginals would be able to claim peoples “backyards” under the act. able to claim peoples “backyards” under the act. This led to legislation changes in some states.This led to legislation changes in some states.

In 1997 The Native Title Amendment Act was In 1997 The Native Title Amendment Act was introduced making it more difficult to register a claim introduced making it more difficult to register a claim and limiting the areas that can be claimed under and limiting the areas that can be claimed under Native Title.Native Title.

In 1998 the first "National Sorry Day" was held, and In 1998 the first "National Sorry Day" was held, and reconciliation events were held nationally, and reconciliation events were held nationally, and attended by millions people.attended by millions people.

In May 2000, a "Walk for Reconciliation" was staged in In May 2000, a "Walk for Reconciliation" was staged in Sydney, with up to 400,000 people marching across Sydney, with up to 400,000 people marching across the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a gesture of apology. A the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a gesture of apology. A similar walk was staged in Melbourne later that year. similar walk was staged in Melbourne later that year.

RECONCILIATION

The Sea of Hands has become a symbol of the people's movement for reconciliation.

Northern Territory EmergencyTable 1. Comparison of key variables: Northern Territory Indigenous versus Australia Indigenous, 2006.Variable Northern Territory – Indigenous Australia– Indigenous RatioUnemployment rate (% labour force) 14.4 15.6 0.9Labour force participation rate (% adults) 38.9 51.2 0.8Employment to population ratio (% adults) 33.3 43.2 0.8Private-sector employment (% adults) 19.2 32.8 0.6Median income, Individual ($) 215 278 0.8Median income, Household ($) 837 791 1.1Home owner or purchasing (% households) 20.0 35.9 0.6Average number of persons per bedroom (persons) 1.8 1.3 1.4Household size (persons) 4.5 3.4 1.3Never attended school (% adults) 8.5 2.5 3.5Completed Year 10 or higher (% adults) 40.2 66.4 0.6Completed Year 12 (% adults) 10.1 22.2 0.5Post-school qualification (% adults) 13.1 23.8 0.6Degree or higher (% adults) 1.8 4.4 0.4Population aged over 55 years (% population) 7.7 8.2 0.9

The Northern Territory National Emergency Response (also referred to as "the intervention") is a package of changes to welfare provision, law enforcement, land tenure and other measures, introduced by the Australian federal government under John Howard in 2007, nominally to address claims of rampant child sexual abuse and neglect in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities. Operation Outreach, the intervention's main logistical operation conducted by a force of 600 soldiers and detachments from the ADF concluded on 21 October 2008

“You know, the whole aim here is not to condemn people for their problems. The whole aim is to support them, to get back on their feet again and to take charge of their own families again” Noel Pearson – 7.30 Report 19.06.07

DEBATEJohn Howards Intervention Policy in Northern Territory

Fred Chaney, in his 2007 Vincent Lingiari Lecture (2007). Indigenous people will be subject to a level of micromanagement that is unprecedented elsewhere in Australian society. Chaney highlights the suspension of the provisions of the 1975 Racial Discrimination Act and the interference in Indigenous property rights as being of particular concern. He highlights how the lack of meaningful consultation has almost guaranteed that there will be resistance (both passive and active) to the implementation of the policy.

What is suggested by this cartoon?Who is the likely composer?

The intervention in the Northern Territory has come under fire by a

variety of groups. In short, the main criticisms of the intervention are as follows:•The intervention has created chaos, increased poverty and racism. •The intervention has not uncovered any paedophilia rings and no child sexual abuse cases have been prosecuted.. •Only 2 of the 97 recommendations in the Little Children Are Sacred report were implemented•In order for the Federal government to implement the Northern Territory Emergency Response, suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 was required making it legal to force communities to sign over control of Aboriginal land in 5 year leases, prohibit alcohol consumption and distribution in Aboriginal communities, control spending patterns through income management and store cards and take-over Aboriginal service-providers. •The United Nations has expressed concern over the suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act, writing to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in March 2009 following a complaint made to the UN by a collective of Aboriginal communities

Impact of Kevin Rudd’s Apology “We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.

We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country.

For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their

descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.”

Australia will face the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva in September accused of racially discriminating against Indigenous communities during the Northern Territory intervention.The final report of the UN's special rapporteur on Indigenous rights, Professor James Anaya, found the intervention limits the rights and freedoms of Indigenous people in breach of Australia's international obligations.It follows similar preliminary findings during a visit to Australia last year.The report does not discuss the Federal Government's planned changes to the intervention because they are not yet complete.Professor Anaya says there is little evidence that measures such as welfare quarantining actually work, and he welcomes planned changes.

UN's intervention report finds racial discriminationUpdated Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:33pm AEDT