Senior Lecturer in Social Research and Policy,
UNSW
MP Pat Dodson could be the next minister for Indigenous Affairs if Labor wins the federal election, a first for a First Nations person.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Few First Nations candidates have succeeded in getting elected to parliament, but it is clear that when they do, they can make a substantial difference.
Government policies on Indigenous health have so far largely failed in closing the gap.
From shutterstock.com
The Coalition and Labor have outlined their plans for Indigenous health spending. There are some worthwhile pledges, but these policy promises could better reflect what our First Nations people need.
In political terms, the Howard government faced little opposition to the Northern Territory Intervention.
AAP/Alan Porritt
The report focus on the government’s own policies fails to acknowledge genuine differences of opinion on key issues such as constitutional recognition and income management.
Paul Keating recognised the significant opportunities – and political risks – the High Court’s Mabo decision presented.
National Archives of Australia
Cabinet papers reveal the extent to which the Keating government was torn between concern for fiscal responsibility and a desire to tackle Indigenous disadvantage and pursue meaningful reconciliation.
Malcolm Turnbull explicitly chose to assume the mantle of his predecessor Tony Abbott as ‘prime minister for Indigenous affairs’.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
Though commendable as a means of keeping Indigenous disadvantage on the policy agenda, the annual Closing the Gap report has come to reflect a lot of what is wrong with Indigenous affairs.
The Whitlam government’s legacy continues to be felt today, close to four decades since it lost office.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
Gough Whitlam, Labor prime minister from 1972 to 1975, has died aged 98. A giant of modern Australian politics, his passing triggered a flood of tributes on Tuesday morning. In a statement, current Labor…
Neither party should lose sight of Indigenous issues ahead of the federal election.
AAP
With the federal election in our sights, we are reminded of the long journey ahead in addressing past wrongs and present challenges for Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Historically, the similarities outweigh…
