Despite Australia's advocacy for human rights, its treatment of First Nations people reveals significant flaws. The continuous marginalization of Indigenous women’s rights unveils a narrative that spans from historical annihilation to assimilation.
A stark example is the government's suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act from 2007 to 2022 to enforce an intervention targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory. Measures included mandatory income management, health checks on Aboriginal children, increased policing, and enforced "dry zones" controlling alcohol and pornography, raising serious concerns about prioritizing human rights for First Nations people.
In 2023, hopes for constitutional recognition faced a setback when a referendum seeking recognition and a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament was defeated. This missed opportunity exacerbates disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, reflecting systemic resistance to rectifying historical wrongs and undermining a just and inclusive society. The struggle for human rights for First Nations people in Australia remains ongoing, highlighting the need for sustained advocacy and meaningful reforms to address historical injustices and ensure a more equitable future.
FOOTNOTE: There is disagreement and variation across Australia and, indeed, globally on the appropriate terminology. ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’ or individual nations (Yolgnu etc) are preferred by partners who were part of this research. The term ‘Indigenous’ captures both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but internationally many people use the term ‘First Nations’ to reinforce sovereignty.