Government polices and doctrines have been central in the history of dispossession of Indigenous peoples in Australia. Poverty and exclusion from health care for Indigenous Australians are the results of colonial power and dispossession. Select Radio to listen to the impact these policies have had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' health. Look at the policies below to learn more about the types of practices that have contributed to the ill health and low wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonization. | ||
‘Terra Nullius’ doctrine
- Captain Cook, on behalf of England, took possession of Australia as an empty land.
- The invasion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations began.
- Genocide occurred.
- Introduced diseases decimated populations.
- Traditional lands were occupied.
Segregation (1890-1950)
- Era of protection.
- The government set up missions and reserves to contain and control lives of Indigenous Australians.
- Traditional owners were removed from their lands.
- Ceremonies and languages were outlawed.
- Non-traditional foods were introduced.
- Movement of Indigenous people was prohibited.
- Inferior and inadequate food, housing and employment.
- Dependence on government.
Assimilation (1950s-1960s)
- A time of attempting to deny Indigenous difference and forcing Indigenous peoples to become the same as white Australians. Distrust and suspicion of government representatives.
- Passive resistance and growing anger at society and its discrimination.
- Indigenous Australians not counted as Australian citizens.
- The removal of children occurred creating ‘The Stolen Generation’.
Integration (1967-1972)
- Internal and overseas pressure on the government to make up for past mistakes and to provide opportunities for Indigenous Australians to have a choice in what they want.
- Growing movement for self determination.
- Distrust of Europeans.
- Acceptance of domination.
- Indigenous infant mortality still greater than any Asian or African countries.
Self-determination (1972-1975)
- An era of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples gaining greater charge of their own affairs.
- Recognition of multicultural society.
- Growing awareness of making own decisions, but still subjected to ‘We’ll help you to do what we want you to do.’
Self-Management (1975-1984)
- A time of making Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accountable for their decisions and management of community finances and resources.
- Push for land rights, separate legal, health and housing services.
Reconciliation (1984-current)
- Growing pressure from overseas to address worsening statistics in health, infant mortality, education outcomes and inadequate facilities for remote communities.
- A mending of sometimes hostile relationships.
- Council of Reconciliation was established to build bridges between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Land and native title rights, compensation and the government said sorry for ‘The Stolen Generations’.
Northern Territory National Emergency Response Bill (2007)
- Bill introduced to intervene in Northern Territory communities to reduce the incidence of neglect and sexual abuse of Aboriginal children.
- Extra police, banning of alcohol and kava and extra community services is welcomed by some and viewed with mistrust by others within Aboriginal communities.