Australian Social Justice Reflections - Essay Example

28). A number of possible factors influence these statistics. Possibly the catalyst for the further issues, especially in regards to social justice, is the racist sentiment towards indigenous people that has haunted Australia since its earliest settlement. This sentiment has shaped policies which have severely restricted the basic rights of many of Australia’s indigenous people. An example is the Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007, which restricted access to such things as liquor and pornography for indigenous people throughout the territory (Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007).

Though these may seem trivial, they merit note for the simple fact that it is only indigenous people who are restricted access from these things, whereas non-indigenous Australians enjoy no restrictions. Furthermore, a theory that has existed in Australia since well-before the Royal Commission of 1987-1991, is that law enforcement refuses to give indigenous people the benefit of the doubt – due to historical and social prejudices and fears, and will arrest Aboriginal Australians for relatively minor offences, hardly meriting arrest.

Such a theory implies that indigenous people are treated differently – unequally - from non-indigenous Australians. . Indeed, there always are two sides to any issue. One of the best examples is that of opportunity of employment, of which the Aboriginal population is deficient. Elements of the community criticize the fact that the average income of an indigenous person is 62% of that of a non-indigenous person; yet, the community as a whole is evolving only slowly in regards to offering that desired opportunity of employment (A statistical overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, 2008, s. 6). To level the field, and truly equalize all strata of society – including indigenous Australians – a true upheaval is needed.

However, this is not something that simply can be accomplished with the introduction of new legislation. The process must be a gradual one, aimed at eliminating old prejudices and introducing new ideals. Sources: Joudo, J & Curnow, J 2006, Deaths in custody in Australia: National Deaths in Custody Program Annual report 2006, Australian Institute of Criminology, viewed 11 March 2011, Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 (Cwlth) A statistical overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia 2008, Australian Human Rights Commission, viewed 11 March 2011, Links used (won’t be included in sources/bibliography): http://www.aic.gov.

au/documents/9/3/6/%7B9364DEB4-4951-4A57-BE89-0F43DB477344%7Drpp85.pdf (p.28) http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ntnera2007531/ http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/statistics/index.html#Heading331 (6) Part A – Article 2 – The political response to a social justice issue or some form of anti-social