tag:theconversation.com,2011:/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land-12157/articlesAbbott in Arnhem Land – The Conversation2014-09-20T05:10:44Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/311802014-09-20T05:10:44Z2014-09-20T05:10:44ZBirthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59619/original/dgvxjv9c-1411187055.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Inuit women carrying their kids in traditional hooded parkas. Indigenous midwifery programs have expanded across Canada and are linked to excellent health outcomes.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/weartpix/4077750393/in/photolist-7dkx8g-5Lj5pb-bY1c83-4YDTNQ-4YA3VH-4YDTQ7-4YzCK6-4YzCN2-4YEZMD-afWiDB-dcj9Ub-4YDTRC-5Lj5TN-926jvd-4YDTUN-4YzCMM-4YDTQy-4YDTTE">Spencer/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/">CC BY-NC-SA</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-20/arnhem-land-leaders-call-for-an-end-to-poison-welfare/5758040">spent most of this week in North East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. In the final of our <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series, we asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear?</em></p>
<p>Imagine you are 36 weeks pregnant and about to have your third baby. But coming from a small community, you can’t give birth at your local hospital because the maternity ward has closed down. Instead, you’re told you have to go to a hospital in a big city you’ve never been to before, hours away from anyone you know, which feels as foreign as being sent to another country. </p>
<p>Doctors say it’s safer in the big city hospital where they have lots of specialists if anything goes wrong. But your partner, children and other family members are not able to come because you can’t afford to pay their travel and accommodation. </p>
<p>You don’t speak the language. You didn’t choose to come here. You are all alone. You are so uncomfortable and so stressed – so how could this be good for baby?</p>
<p>This happens regularly to Aboriginal women across Australia. In many cases, being sent into a major city a long way from home to birth is equivalent to being sent to a foreign country. </p>
<p>But it doesn’t have to be this way. </p>
<p>We could <a href="http://cfpcwp.com/MCDG/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/CD004667_standard.pdf">reduce</a> the number of babies being born too early and dying before they reach their first birthday. We could make a difference to <a href="http://www.aom.on.ca/files/Communications/Reports_and_Studies/JMWH_Nunavik_Midwifery_VanWagner_JulyAug2007.pdf">every stage of life</a> – reduce chronic disease, improve mental health, reduce drug and alcohol abuse and reduce community violence. </p>
<p>We could <a href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2813%2961406-3/fulltext">save our health system</a> millions of dollars. And the benefits could extend beyond health, strengthening parenting roles and restoring skills and community pride. </p>
<p>And we know that all that can be done, because it’s already been <a href="http://www.inuulitsivik.ca/healthcare-and-services/healthcare/midwives">shown to work</a> in Canada.</p>
<h2>Having babies closer to home</h2>
<p>In Australia, we call it “<a href="https://www.saxinstitute.org.au/publications/evidence-check-library/maternity-service-delivery-models-for-indigenous-communities/">Birthing on Country</a>”, which is about bringing birth closer to home. Birthing on Country is about real jobs and education. It’s about <a href="http://www.pimatisiwin.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/03EpooStonier.pdf">local Aboriginal midwives</a>. It’s about shaping a healthier health system; one that is both medically and culturally safe for all.</p>
<p>Birthing on Country has been recommended in many government reports over 30 years. Even our current <a href="http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/maternityservicesplan">National Maternity Plan</a> says that Birthing on Country programs need to be set up and tested. </p>
<p>We need to see if Birthing on Country really can make a difference here, as it has overseas. We can’t keep having Aboriginal mums and bubs being <a href="http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129545698">two to three times more likely to die in childbirth</a> than other Australians; it’s time for change.</p>
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<figcaption><span class="caption">Aboriginal Australians talking about birthing on country, from “The Face Of Birth” DVD. (http://www.faceofbirth.com/)</span></figcaption>
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<p>So why has there been no investment in Birthing on Country? </p>
<p>There is a general <a href="http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2393/14/275#">fear</a> of birthing in Australia, with some people concerned about women having babies in places that don’t have 24/7 access to an emergency caesarean operation. Instead, when surgery cannot be provided, we tend to close the whole maternity service. </p>
<p>But the further women have to travel for birth, the worse their <a href="http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/11/147">outcomes</a>. Establishing birth centres, even in remote areas, could be a <a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d7400">safer option</a>, yet only 2% of women in Australia give birth in a <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19566562">birth centre</a>.</p>
<h2>Learning from the Inuit</h2>
<p>In Canada, what began as the <a href="http://www.inuulitsivik.ca/healthcare-and-services/healthcare/midwives">Inuit “experiment”</a> is now referred to as the jewel in the crown of Inuit achievements. </p>
<p>The experiment started in 1985 in a place called Nunavik. It was in response to a high number of young people committing suicide. </p>
<p>Women, sitting around a sewing circle, linked the social dysfunction in the community to the dislocation that occurred during birth. They agreed they would no longer be flown eight hours away from home to have their babies in a “safe” hospital in Montreal. Instead, they set up a birthing centre in their remote community, without local access to a doctor or caesarean. </p>
<p>Even when people tried to close them down, warning “mothers and babies would die”, they stayed open. The <a href="http://www.naho.ca/inuit-midwifery/documents/2005-07NunavikICMkeynotefinal_000.pdf">elders knew</a> that “to bring birth back to the communities is to bring back life”.</p>
<p>One Aboriginal Canadian doctor was <a href="http://www.naho.ca/inuit-midwifery/documents/2005-07NunavikICMkeynotefinal_000.pdf">quoted as saying</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>Culturally appropriate health care requires respect for the choice of community based child birth and may also challenge the world view of medically trained health professionals who are concerned with access to medical technologies and medico-legal liabilities.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Today, the birthing centres have on-site midwifery training and have expanded across Nunavik and into other remote communities in Ontario, North West Territories and Nunavut. </p>
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<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/44525868" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p></p><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/44525868">TV Show Video Clip - Inuit Midwife Apprenticeship Program, Nunavik</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/nataborhealthorg">Inuit Tuttarvingat</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><p></p>
<p>They have developed as a sustainable model and are <a href="https://fcsktp.ryerson.ca/xmlui/handle/123456789/46">linked to excellent health outcomes</a>, increased education levels, reduced family violence, the restoration of dignity and self-esteem, community healing and greater social functioning.</p>
<p>The model allows inter-generational learning and support while promoting respect for traditional knowledge and building local capacity. </p>
<p>In the words of <a href="http://www.pimatisiwin.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/03EpooStonier.pdf">Jusapie Padlayat</a>, elder and chair of the Inuulitsivik Health Board:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I can understand that some of you may think that birth in remote areas is dangerous. And we have made it clear what it means for our women to birth in our communities. And you must know that a life without meaning is much more dangerous.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When you walk into the birthing centres you can immediately see the impact it’s having on the community. You can see it when watching an Inuit midwife providing care to an Inuit women, in her own language. Better still is the smile on her husband and young children’s faces, knowing she will not be leaving family to have her baby. </p>
<p>The model is so successful it is creeping into the cities, with an Aboriginal birth centre <a href="http://www.torontobirthcentre.ca/">opening in Toronto</a> last year. (You can read more at Canada’s <a href="http://www.aboriginalmidwives.ca/toolkit/nunavik">National Aboriginal Council of Midwives website</a>.)</p>
<h2>Returning birth to Country in Australia</h2>
<p>The first <a href="http://www.qcmb.org.au/media/pdf/Birth%20On%20Country%20Report.pdf">National Birthing on Country Workshop</a>, held in Alice Springs in 2012, recommended we set up Birthing on Country sites here in Australia, including in some remote communities. But to do that, they must be funded for long-term success. </p>
<p>In her closing speech at the event, award-winning Yolŋu elder <a href="http://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/honour-roll/?view=fullView&recipientID=415">Djapirri Mununggirritj</a> from Yirrkala in North East Arnhem Land (where the Prime Minister visited this week) declared:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>birthing is the most powerful thing that happens to a mother and child … our generation needs to know the route and identity of where they came from; to ensure pride, passion, dignity and leadership to carry us through to the future … We need to put together a strong voice, and one of us can report this in Canberra</p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59621/original/439w3k28-1411189436.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59621/original/439w3k28-1411189436.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59621/original/439w3k28-1411189436.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59621/original/439w3k28-1411189436.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59621/original/439w3k28-1411189436.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59621/original/439w3k28-1411189436.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59621/original/439w3k28-1411189436.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59621/original/439w3k28-1411189436.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Yolŋu elder and Reconciliation Australia board member Djapirri Mununggirritj</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.reconciliation.org.au/about/">Reconciliation Australia</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The report from the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265553883_Australian_Health_Ministers%27_Advisory_Council_Birthing_on_Country_Workshop_Report">National Birthing on Country Workshop</a> has gone to Canberra and been given to government – but we don’t yet have Birthing on Country sites.</p>
<p>Queensland is probably the closest, with a state-wide workshop held in December 2013, but sites are yet to be chosen. Funding has not been allocated. We can’t let it stall again. </p>
<p>We know it will be challenging and we know it is controversial. But we know it can be done successfully, across the country. Birthing on Country programs can be set up in urban, rural and remote areas. </p>
<p>As Djapirri Mununggirritj also said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>if Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people come together, there is power … We need to create that connection … connection that comes from the grassroots … and I know you around the tables are very very smart people.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>To quote another wise woman, award-winning Aboriginal health worker and Malabam Health Board member Molly Wardaguga from Arnhem Land (who has passed away): “Hey you mob – it’s time to listen.”</p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/31180/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sue Kildea leads a team who have received funding from the NHMRC to conduct an evaluation of an urban model of health system reform called 'Birthing in our Community' - the Birthing on Country urban model. A partnership between the Mater Health Service, the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (Brisbane). She has spent many years recommending government do the things suggested in this article. She regularly applies for funding to improve maternal, infant and birthing services for Aboriginal mums and babies. She is employed by the Mater Health Service and the University of Queensland. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Fleur Magick Dennis works for and is affiliated with Gungarrimaa Aboriginal Corporation and Aboriginal Cultural Birthing and Parenting NSW. Gungarrimaa Aboriginal Corporation receives funding from NSW state government and the federal government.</span></em></p>Tony Abbott spent most of this week in North East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. In the final of our Abbott in…Sue Kildea, Professor of Midwifery, The University of QueenslandFleur Magick Dennis, Founder and Convener of Aboriginal Cultural Birthing and Parenting NSW; Aboriginal Cultural Healing Educator at Gungarrimaa Aboriginal Corporation; Master of Indigenous Studies Graduate (Southern Cross University) & Currently a Master of Education Student, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/318972014-09-19T02:17:27Z2014-09-19T02:17:27ZVIDEO: Michelle Grattan on Abbott’s indigenous visit<figure>
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<p>University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Nicholas Klomp discuss the week in politics including the rise of Australia’s terrorist threat level, the increase of aid for ebola in west Africa, the Prime Minister’s week-long visit to an indigenous community and former treasurer Peter Costello’s on tax reform.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/31897/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Nicholas Klomp discuss the week in politics including the rise of Australia’s terrorist threat level, the…Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/314802014-09-18T22:34:59Z2014-09-18T22:34:59ZIndigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59342/original/nqfzjrtr-1411003445.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">More than one in ten Indigenous Australian adults report having trouble getting around – and current licensing rules don't help.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-155726702/stock-photo-derby-australia-june-red-desert-in-kimberley-on-june-in-derby-located-in-western.html?src=cvStcxMhsKckwi9Hbk13KA-1-9">ZRyzner/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-20/arnhem-land-leaders-call-for-an-end-to-poison-welfare/5758040">spent most of this week in North East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear?</em></p>
<p>Getting a licence and driving a car is something many of us take for granted. But for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in some parts of Australia, getting a driver licence can be a major challenge. And breaching the conditions or simply failing to pay fines can result in licence suspension or even jail time.</p>
<p>More than 70% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote locations <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/lookup/4704.0Chapter960Oct+2010">have no public transport</a>. And more than one in ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian adults <a href="http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737418955">report</a> not being able to, or often having difficulty, getting where they need to be. </p>
<p>Yet access to transport is essential for employment. Transport also provides the means to access education, health care and other essential services, as well as important social interactions. </p>
<h2>Barriers to licensing</h2>
<p>High crash and fatality rates among young people have <a href="http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/userfiles/ccoch/file/Safety_on_the_road/CD003300.pdf">led to the development</a> of graduated licensing laws for new drivers. </p>
<p>But while the laws improve safety and are successfully <a href="http://www.nih.gov/news/health/nov2011/nichd-04.htm">driving crash rates down</a>, they also create significant barriers to licensing. New drivers must pass multiple tests and accumulate up to 120 hours of supervised driving practice during the learner phase. </p>
<p>These laws have a disproportionate impact on Aboriginal people, who can face <a href="http://www.lowitja.org.au/aboriginal-people-travelling-well">a number of barriers</a> to getting a driver licence, including difficulty accessing identification documents, low levels of literacy and numeracy, the various costs associated with the graduated licensing system, lack of access to a car and a supervising driver, as well as outstanding debt.</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59347/original/qqy5whjx-1411004278.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59347/original/qqy5whjx-1411004278.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=901&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59347/original/qqy5whjx-1411004278.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=901&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59347/original/qqy5whjx-1411004278.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=901&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59347/original/qqy5whjx-1411004278.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1133&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59347/original/qqy5whjx-1411004278.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1133&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59347/original/qqy5whjx-1411004278.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1133&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Licensing is critical for mobility but maintaining safety on the road is equally important.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rustystewart/895677525">Rusty Stewart/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In New South Wales, Aboriginal people are <a href="http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/News/Improving-legal-and-safe-driving-among-Aboriginal-people">more likely</a> to fail the driver knowledge test than non-Aboriginal people. And they are three times as likely to lose their driver licence due to fine default.</p>
<p>Although data are scarce in most states, <a href="http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/News/Improving-legal-and-safe-driving-among-Aboriginal-people">driver licensing rates</a> are low: Aboriginal people represent only 0.4% of all driver licence holders in NSW but make up 1.9% of the eligible driver population. </p>
<h2>Imprisonment for driving offences</h2>
<p>Driving without a licence can quickly lead to jail, and Aboriginal people are over-represented in driver licensing-related incarceration. In New South Wales, Aboriginal people <a href="http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/News/Improving-legal-and-safe-driving-among-Aboriginal-people">found guilty</a> of a “driver licence” offence are imprisoned at two to three times the rate for non-Aboriginal people.</p>
<p>It has <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/legal-affairs/courts-harsher-on-aboriginal-driving-offences/story-e6frg97x-1226498839183">been suggested</a> that this is due to fines issued to unemployed people who are unable to pay them, and that such sentencing is unduly harsh, and out of line with community expectations. </p>
<p>The NSW coroner <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-11/nsw-coroner-finds-stanley-lord-died-of-natural-causes/5737060">last week ruled</a> on the death of an Aboriginal man in custody who was imprisoned for licensing offences. The coroner found he died of natural causes, but suggested it was understandable that the man would drive while unlicensed due to the long period of disqualification and lack of alternative transport. </p>
<p>Driver licences can also be cancelled due to other, <a href="http://www.sdro.nsw.gov.au/fines/ea/rms.php">non road-related fines</a>, such as not having a train ticket, or having an unregistered dog. These fines can quickly accumulate and, if unpaid, can lead to the cancellation of the driver licence. </p>
<h2>The solutions</h2>
<p>There are a number of initiatives aimed at helping people with unpaid debt and others that assist people through the licensing process. In NSW, for instance, the <a href="http://www.sdro.nsw.gov.au/fines/eo/wdo.php">Office of State Revenue</a> has instituted work and development orders that allow eligible clients to reduce their fines via unpaid work. </p>
<p>Other programs exist to support Aboriginal people through the licensing process. These include the Northern Territory’s <a href="http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/mvr/driver-training-and-licensing/drivesafe-nt-remote">DriveSafe</a> remote driver licensing program and the Queensland government’s <a href="http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Community-and-environment/Indigenous-programs/Indigenous-driver-licensing-program.aspx">Indigenous Driver Licensing Program</a>. These state government programs deliver licensing and registry services but do not address debt management.</p>
<p>In NSW, licensing programs for Aboriginal people include community-based services delivered by <a href="http://birrang.com.au/driver-education/">Birrang enterprises</a> and <a href="http://www.acecolleges.edu.au/community-projects/p/1117#a5">Ace Community Colleges</a>. These programs deliver real benefits to their communities in terms of licences and employment outcomes.</p>
<p>Our team is currently implementing and evaluating <a href="http://www.drivingchange.com.au/">Driving Change</a>, a community-based Aboriginal driver licensing support program, across 12 sites in NSW. This end-to-end program delivers a range of services, from assistance with identification documents, to debt management and learner driver mentor services.</p>
<p>But while end-to-end licensing programs deliver the <a href="http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/cb4472004326d857a5e1ef0aafe4bbfc/Supporting+Aboriginal+People+to+Obtain+and+Retain+Driver+Licences+-+a+Literature+Review-PH%26CS-SRS-20140305.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=cb4472004326d857a5e1ef0aafe4bbfc">most significant benefits</a> to individuals and communities, they are also the most costly to run, at A$2,500 to A$3,000 per completion. It’s therefore difficult to gain and maintain adequate funding. </p>
<h2>A word about road safety</h2>
<p>Licensing is critical for both mobility, education and employment. But maintaining safety on the road is equally important, especially considering Aboriginal people <a href="http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129543939">are killed</a> at two to three times the rate of the rest of the population. Exempting Aboriginal people from the graduated licensing system is likely to increase their risk of crash and is therefore not a viable option. </p>
<p>We need greater investment in end-to-end licensing support programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, allowing people to more readily gain, and retain their driver licence. This has the potential to deliver real, tangible outcomes in terms of licensing, jobs and reduced incarceration, as well as a focus on safety. </p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/31480/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Rebecca Ivers is principal investigator and project leader for a large scale trial of a community based Aboriginal driver licensing support program, Driving Change (funded by AstraZeneca's Young Health Programme, Transport for NSW and NSW Health). She also receives funding for her research program from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (project grants and fellowship funding), The Australian Research Council, the NSW Government, the NT Government, the Victorian Government and the World Health Organisation. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jake is employed as project officer on a large scale trial of a community based Aboriginal driver licensing support program, Driving Change (funded by AstraZeneca's Young Health Programme, Transport for NSW and NSW Health).
</span></em></p>Tony Abbott spent most of this week in North East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories…Rebecca Ivers, Professor of Public Health; Director, Injury Division, The George Institute for Global Health, University of SydneyJake Byrne, Project Officer – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Injury, George Institute for Global HealthLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/317702014-09-18T06:31:13Z2014-09-18T06:31:13ZExplainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means<p>Constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australia has been on the national agenda for a long time, but is back in the headlines with the news that the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader hope to release <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-and-bill-shorten-meet-in-private-to-nut-out-indigenous-constitution-question-20140916-10hs69.html">draft proposals for a referendum question</a> within weeks. </p>
<p>That comes on the back of building political momentum for constitutional reform, including the consultation and report of the <a href="http://www.recognise.org.au/expert-panel-report">expert panel convened by the previous government</a>; the passage of the <a href="http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2013A00018">Act of Recognition</a>; the work of a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Constitutional_Recognition_of_Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_Peoples">Joint Select Committee of Parliament</a>; and a new <a href="http://www.quarterlyessay.com/issue/rightful-place-race-recognition-and-more-complete-commonwealth">Quarterly Essay</a> on the topic by Noel Pearson, released this week.</p>
<p>So what does the Constitution say about race? How do we change it? And what are some of the proposals for what the Constitution might say in future, particularly when it comes to recognising Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander people as the First Australians?</p>
<h2>What are the racial references in the Constitution now?</h2>
<p>There are two sections of the constitution that mention race. The first, section 25, says that the states can ban people from voting based on their race. The second, section 51(26), gives Parliament power to pass laws that discriminate against people based on their race. They state:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/coaca430/s25.html">Section 25</a>. For the purposes of the last section, if by the law of any State all persons of any race are disqualified from voting at elections for the more numerous House of the Parliament of the State, then, in reckoning the number of the people of the State or of the Commonwealth, persons of the race resident in that State shall not be counted. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is an antiquated, redundant and racist section, which reflects past discrimination against Indigenous peoples’ rights to vote.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/coaca430/s51.html">Section 51(26)</a>. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to […] the people of any race, for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This section, the so-called <a href="http://www.ilc.unsw.edu.au/sites/ilc.unsw.edu.au/files/articles/ILB%207-25%20Castan.pdf">“races power”</a>, has been interpreted by the High Court to allow the federal parliament to make laws that discriminate adversely on the basis of race. Parliament only ever used the races power regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.</p>
<h2>What is the Constitution? And why do we need to go to the polls to change it?</h2>
<p>In Australia, the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/Constitution">Constitution</a> was a product of the views of the times. </p>
<p>It wasn’t created out of revolution, the need for equality, or even a strong need to be “free” of the British Empire, but rather the desire to bring colonies together to unite as a “<a href="http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-government/australias-federation">Commonwealth</a>”. Indigenous Australians were explicitly excluded from the constitutional processes and from its text. </p>
<p>Our Constitution functions as a powerful symbolic statement of Australian identity. But more than that, it is the ultimate legal document in our legal system. It grants and limits parliamentary powers, and functions as the supreme legal authority.</p>
<p>The Constitution was designed with a lock to prevent hasty reform, found in <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/%7E/link.aspx?_id=630FA7763BE64933B172A7D7E1615ADA&_z=z">section 128</a> and <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp0203/03rp11#amending">explained in more detail here</a>. </p>
<p>To change the Constitution, we need the approval of a majority of voters, across a majority of states. This is what makes our Constitution so hard to reform.</p>
<p>The 1967 referendum is considered one of the most successful amendments to the Constitution, as it was passed with very high popular support across Australia. Although it was misunderstood as “giving Aborigines the vote”, it did permit the federal government to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, which up to then was not constitutionally permitted. But that referendum still did not resolve the issues of recognition of Indigenous Australians and their legal and constitutional protection. </p>
<p>The idea that our Constitution still has sections that anticipate and allow racially discriminatory laws now seems like an anomaly for a modern liberal western democracy. </p>
<p>The reality of section 51(26) is particularly odd, as the High Court has confirmed that this grant of power can mean the federal parliament can pass beneficial laws, or adverse laws, that discriminate on the basis of race. </p>
<p>So our Constitution has some serious exclusions: both by not acknowledging the place of Indigenous Australians in our nation, and by authorising discriminatory laws. The concept of “race” as the basis for discriminatory treatment is long discredited, yet it is there still, an artefact of constitutional history.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ziLq5rnsgIw?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">A message from the late Dr Yunupingu re-released with permission from his family.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What might go into the Constitution if Australians voted Yes to Indigenous recognition?</h2>
<p>The expert panel worked to develop recognition proposals and these underpin <a href="http://www.recognise.org.au/">the Recognise campaign</a>. In summary these are to:</p>
<p>• Remove Section 25, which recognises that the states can ban people from voting on the basis of their race;<br>
• Delete section 51(26), which can be used to pass laws that discriminate (adversely) on the basis of race;<br>
• Insert a new section 51A, to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to preserve the Australian government’s ability to pass laws for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;<br>
• Adopt a new section 116A, prohibiting governments from passing laws that discriminate on the basis of race; and<br>
• Insert a new section 127A, recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages were this country’s first tongues, while confirming that English is Australia’s national language. </p>
<p>Some of these are considered non-controversial, while others have met more resistance.</p>
<p>The racial non-discrimination clause is probably the most difficult, because it is said to leave too much open to judges to interpret. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/constitutional-recognition-alive-but-its-still-no-barbecue-stopper-29254">joint select committee</a> assessed these proposals and canvassed some options for addressing some of <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Constitutional_Recognition_of_Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_Peoples/Interim_Report/index">the perceived resistance to the expert panel proposals</a>.</p>
<p>Because bipartisan support is needed for a successful referendum, the political <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/recognition-debate-needs-noel-pearson-to-convince-conservatives/story-fn9hm1pm-1227055817527">concerns about the wording of the proposal</a> are now being debated.</p>
<p>While it might be that some find the proposed “non-discrimination” clause an invitation to unwanted judicial activism, it should be understood that without substantive protection, Indigenous Australians may conclude the referendum is too weak to warrant their support.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/noel-pearson-finds-way-to-salvage-referendum-advance-his-people/story-fn9hm1pm-1227053215962">Noel Pearson recently asked</a>: “If conservatives assert that a racial non-discrimination clause is not the answer then what is a better solution?”</p>
<p>He highlighted the valuable work of the expert panel and the continuing importance of protection from racial discrimination. So Pearson has suggested that the referendum guarantee “the Indigenous voice in Indigenous affairs”, which could include a number of reforms: some constitutional, some legislative and some procedural changes. There are explored more fully in Pearson’s <a href="http://www.quarterlyessay.com/issue/rightful-place-race-recognition-and-more-complete-commonwealth">Quarterly Essay</a> published this week.</p>
<p>The proposed wording for the referendum has not been released, but the news that Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-and-bill-shorten-meet-in-private-to-nut-out-indigenous-constitution-question-20140916-10hs69.html">are working together</a> is a sign the momentum for reform is continuing. We might see draft proposals by the end of September.</p>
<h2>Why should Australia change its Constitution?</h2>
<p>Although the legal debate over Indigenous recognition might seem complicated, the importance of the underlying movement is simple justice.</p>
<p>Merely “symbolic” recognition is not really recognition of the proper history of Indigenous Australia, nor of contemporary concerns. It will not provide legal protection from bad, unjust or disproportionate laws.</p>
<p>Weak forms of recognition, or making no change at all, just replicates the same mistakes of legal and political exclusion we have been making since 1770. We should get the Constitution right this time.</p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/culture-not-colour-is-the-heart-of-aboriginal-identity-30102">Culture, not colour, is the heart of Aboriginal identity</a><br>
The rest of this week’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/31770/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa Castan receives funding from the Australian Research Council.</span></em></p>Constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australia has been on the national agenda for a long time, but is back in the headlines with the news that the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader hope to release…Melissa Castan, Senior Lecturer, and Deputy Director for the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, Monash UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/309602014-09-18T03:35:59Z2014-09-18T03:35:59ZKeeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons<p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2014-06-23/visit-north-east-arnhem-land">is spending this week in North-East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear while he’s in the Top End?</em></p>
<p>It’s the number one question asked by kids everywhere: <em>“Why?”</em></p>
<p>If you’re a teenager – or the parent or teacher of one – you’ve probably heard these questions too: “Why do I have to go to school? Why am I learning this? And how will it help me get a job or figure out what to do with the rest of my life?”</p>
<p>A couple of years ago, a principal told me the story of a young Aboriginal man who had just finished high school. He was the first in his remote Australian community to do so. While everyone celebrated his achievement around him, he openly asked, “What for, I do this?”</p>
<p>Having a good answer to that question is important for all of us, so that we can persuade our kids to stick with school and keep their options open for future study and work. Persuasive answers are even more important when we’re talking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids. </p>
<p>Four out of 10 Indigenous Australians are under the age of 17 years, while one in every two is still under 21. That’s a huge generation of young people coming through who need to be prepared – and be preparing themselves – for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. </p>
<p>Yet despite encouraging gains in the past decade, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows there is still a worrying gap (27.8%) in retention rates from Year 7/8 to Year 12 <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4221.0main+features100062013">between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students</a>. The evidence shows that the more remote the location, the bigger the gap. For example, students in the Northern Territory (Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike) have the lowest rate of retention in Australia.</p>
<p>Australia’s not alone in needing to rethink the way we teach and engage learners. As I’ll explain, there are inspiring examples we could learn from, including innovative Navajo and Studio Schools in the United States and United Kingdom, which offer lessons for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike.</p>
<h2>Learning about service to others</h2>
<p>The STAR School is a charter elementary school in northern Arizona in the US, near the southwest corner of the Navajo Nation. </p>
<p>The STAR in the school’s name stands for Service to All Relations.
Indigenous students who attend the Navajo School are required to undertake project-based learning, which balances mainstream curriculum including science, technology, engineering and math subjects with that idea of service to the broader community and the environment.</p>
<figure>
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</figure>
<p>This way learning is contextualised and real. Extended families, relatives and the natural environment are all important aspects of Navajo life, as is the case in Indigenous Australia. </p>
<p>Educational literature shows project-based learning can be more relevant and more meaningful, and can lead to increased retention and enjoyment of learning. Yes, learning should be challenging, but it should also be enjoyable. </p>
<h2>Studio schools in the United Kingdom</h2>
<p>A number of innovative models have emerged in the United Kingdom to reconcile a disconnect between employer expectations, youth unemployment and disengagement from schooling.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.studioschoolstrust.org/">Studio Schools</a> have been established to equip learners with the tools to navigate a complex world, drawing upon their CREATE framework, focused on creative and critical thinking, technology skills, emotional intelligence, communication and relationships.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59236/original/rb4fqqjv-1410920825.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59236/original/rb4fqqjv-1410920825.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59236/original/rb4fqqjv-1410920825.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=524&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59236/original/rb4fqqjv-1410920825.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=524&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59236/original/rb4fqqjv-1410920825.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=524&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59236/original/rb4fqqjv-1410920825.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=659&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59236/original/rb4fqqjv-1410920825.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=659&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59236/original/rb4fqqjv-1410920825.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=659&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The CREATE framework.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">www.studioschoolstrust.org</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As Geoff Mulgan explains in this TED talk, the starting point behind the Studio School concept was to ask: “What kind of school would have teenagers fighting to get in, not get out?” </p>
<figure>
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</figure>
<p>After trials in the UK in Luton and Blackpool, Mulgan says:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We got quite a lot of things wrong and then improved them. But we found that the young people loved it, they found it much more motivational and much more exciting. And perhaps most important of all, two years later when the exam results came through, the pupils who had been put on these field trials, who were in the lowest-performing groups, had jumped right to the top.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Our schools of the future in Australia should not just be about teaching relationships, but mentoring and facilitating relationships. Safe spaces need to be created for conversations among young people about not only identity but character. Such spaces enable them to reflect upon emotional and mental health and strategies to tackle risks that may be in and around them such as self-harm, substance misuse and teen pregnancy. </p>
<p>A book called <a href="http://www.innovationunit.org/our-projects/projects/learning-living-publication-world-innovation-summit-education-2012">Learning a Living</a> suggests that we need to create young people who aren’t just consumers of learning but active producers of a better world. Discarding the idea of students being <a href="http://www.psy.vanderbilt.edu/courses/psychology101/LEARNING.PDF">“empty vessels”</a> and deficit-based teaching models would be a good start. Learning should be empowering.</p>
<h2>Giving students and parents more choice</h2>
<p>Just as the best health experts are increasingly focused on <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-future-of-personalised-medicine-for-your-gut-7369">personalised medicine</a>, my research work is focused on finding better ways to personalise education, particularly at a school level. </p>
<p>That’s why I find it encouraging when the federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne talks about greater choice in the curriculum and putting <a href="http://www.studentsfirst.gov.au/">students first</a>.</p>
<p>Similarly, the Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion have talked about the importance of local decision-making in Indigenous affairs and the folly of “one-size-fits all” thinking.</p>
<p>There is no reason why these virtues should not extend to Indigenous schooling and community learning environments. All Australian students deserve access to a curriculum that encourages and fosters choice and diversity. </p>
<h2>Yearning to learn beats one-size-fits-all schooling</h2>
<p>The current results speak for themselves. Right now, far too many young Indigenous people are voting with their feet and not staying on to year 12. And I would argue one of the reasons is curriculum that lacks engagement and appeal. </p>
<p>Even when we get a young man like the one I quoted, where he had made it to the end of year 12, it is concerning that he still asks about the relevance and utility of education. Would he have asked that if he’d been involved with something like the STAR program?</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/57439/original/s8c3d3pv-1409102921.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/57439/original/s8c3d3pv-1409102921.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/57439/original/s8c3d3pv-1409102921.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=640&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57439/original/s8c3d3pv-1409102921.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=640&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57439/original/s8c3d3pv-1409102921.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=640&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57439/original/s8c3d3pv-1409102921.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=804&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57439/original/s8c3d3pv-1409102921.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=804&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57439/original/s8c3d3pv-1409102921.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=804&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">My proposed model for a more effective, learner-centred approach.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Tony Dreise</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>I’ve developed the “Learning, Earning, Yearning” model shown on the right in response to a quest among Indigenous young people for safety, connection to culture and place, jobs, inclusion and support measures aimed at reducing the stresses of schooling and life outside school. The idea is to see more young people learning wider and longer; earning more; and yearning for a better life.</p>
<p>Teaching with a sense of “place” in mind is a key driver behind this, just as in the STAR model, in light of many Indigenous Australians’ cultural preferences for staying on country. </p>
<p>Developing entrepreneurial mindsets, supporting personal agency and fostering creativity underpins the model so that learners are not simply consumers of learning, but producers of it. Further, the model embraces the idea that young people should grow not only their identity, but their character. </p>
<p>I’ve started talking to philanthropists about these ideas. My PhD, which I’m nearing the end of, has been looking at relationships between philanthropy and Indigenous education. Philanthropists on their best day are positive disruptors. They’re prepared to take risks and innovate. Our schools could do with more of this positive disruption.</p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/30960/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Tony Dreise is the Principal Research Fellow for Indigenous Education at the Australian Council for Educational Research.</span></em></p>Tony Abbott is spending this week in North-East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories…Tony Dreise, Principal Research Fellow, Indigenous Education, Australian Council for Educational ResearchLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/317672014-09-18T00:51:16Z2014-09-18T00:51:16ZExplainer: can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59271/original/58svqkv3-1410938999.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59271/original/58svqkv3-1410938999.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/59271/original/58svqkv3-1410938999.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=804&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59271/original/58svqkv3-1410938999.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=804&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59271/original/58svqkv3-1410938999.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=804&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59271/original/58svqkv3-1410938999.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1010&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59271/original/58svqkv3-1410938999.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1010&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/59271/original/58svqkv3-1410938999.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1010&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A portrait of Mannalargenna, who was a formidable warrior and the leader of the Pairrebeenne clan in Tasmania.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.utas.edu.au/telling-places-in-country/historical-context/historical-biographies/mannalargenna">University of Tasmania</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Palmer United Party Senator Jacqui Lambie recently created controversy by claiming in her first speech to Parliament that going back six generations, she is related to the renowned Tasmanian Aboriginal leader <a href="http://www.utas.edu.au/telling-places-in-country/historical-context/historical-biographies/mannalargenna">Mannalargenna</a>.</p>
<p>Responding to accusations that she had never previously identified herself publicly as an Indigenous person, Senator Lambie said, “I know what’s in my blood”, and offered to take a DNA test <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-15/jacqui-lambie-to-take-dna-test-to-prove-indigenous-heritage/5744322">to prove her Indigenous ancestry “once and for all”</a>.</p>
<p>No one can tell Senator Lambie or her family how to feel about their heritage, nor the degree of affinity and pride they are entitled to draw from their family history. And Senator Lambie’s stated concern to use her political position to advocate on behalf of Indigenous people is welcome. </p>
<p>However, it is more problematic whether Senator Lambie can do this on the basis that she is herself an “Indigenous person”.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3lMD34I3Ozs?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Senator Jacqui Lambie’s maiden speech.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Defining questions</h2>
<p>The question of whether Indigenous, racial or ethnic identity could be determined by genetic testing was considered in a landmark inquiry by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) in 2003, which I chaired and which culminated in the report <a href="http://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/report-96">Essentially Yours: The Protection of Human Genetic Information in Australia</a>. </p>
<p>As we noted in that report, since British colonisation various governments had used <a href="http://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/36-kinship-and-identity/legal-definitions-aboriginality">no less than 67 classifications, descriptions or definitions</a> to determine who is an Aboriginal person in Australia.</p>
<p>The propriety of using genetic testing and information as an aspect of determining communal identity <a href="http://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/36-kinship-and-identity/legal-definitions-aboriginality">has arisen previously in Tasmania</a>, following challenges to the eligibility of about 600 people to vote in the 2002 <a href="http://www.atns.net.au/agreement.asp?EntityID=618">ATSIC</a> elections. This may be unsurprising, given the vexed history of race relations in that state.</p>
<p>The ALRC inquiry followed hard on the heels of the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2000, which concluded that race and ethnicity are social constructs, without a clear genetic foundation. This approach has been reflected in Australia law and practice since <a href="http://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/36-kinship-and-identity/legal-definitions-aboriginality">at least the early 1980s</a>.</p>
<p>As Justice Gerald Brennan wrote in his leading judgment in <a href="http://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/item-did-33.html">Mabo v Queensland (No 2)</a>, when it came to native title law the accepted test of whether someone is Indigenous has three parts:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Membership of the Indigenous people depends on biological descent from the Indigenous people and on mutual recognition of a particular person’s membership by that person and by the elders or other persons enjoying traditional authority among those people. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>(You can read the full judgment <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/HCA/1992/23.html">here</a>.) </p>
<p>On this basis, DNA testing can only ever answer (at most) the first of those three qualifications: biological descent, self-identification, and recognition by Indigenous elders. That’s why the ALRC warned against using DNA testing as the sole or primary determinant of Indigeneity. </p>
<p>This does not diminish the fact that DNA testing provides a powerful tool for identifying or dispelling biological links between individuals. That is, in establishing kinship relationships, whether this is for the purpose of determining biological parentage, or linking the individual to a broader community or descent group. </p>
<p>The ALRC heard from genetic counsellors and others about the positive uses of genetic testing in Australia to re-establish links between individuals and their Aboriginal family members that had been severed by adoption, circumstance, or past government policies promoting separation and assimilation (the <a href="http://www.stolengenerationstestimonies.com/">“Stolen Generations”</a>). </p>
<p>However, this exercise involves the use of genetic testing and information to confirm direct kinship relationships. DNA does not <em>in itself</em> contain any determination of a person’s culture, race or ethnicity — although these things may flow later from the person’s re-integration into their family and community.</p>
<h2>Blood rules don’t apply in Australia</h2>
<p>The ALRC cast the net widely in looking at the other methods used internationally to determine Indigeneity, including the reductionist <a href="http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/14/whos-a-native-american-its-complicated/">“blood rules” used in parts of North America</a> and elsewhere — in which the percentage or fraction of an individual’s “Indigenous blood” determined their rights to live on a reserve, or vote in self-determination elections, or receive certain forms of government designated scholarships or positions. </p>
<p>The ALRC heard in consultations that the three-part definition “works well enough in most circumstances”, and declined to make any recommendation for change.</p>
<p>After looking into the <a href="http://www.alrc.gov.au/publications/36-kinship-and-identity/legal-definitions-aboriginality">legal definitions of Aboriginality</a> both in Australia and overseas, the ALRC concluded that none of the other tests used internationally resulted in more just, more scientific, or more effective outcomes.</p>
<p>Instead, the ALRC suggested that if change were to take place, these sensitive matters would best be determined by Indigenous people themselves, working through their own communities, institutions and consultative processes.</p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/culture-not-colour-is-the-heart-of-aboriginal-identity-30102">Culture, not colour, is the heart of Aboriginal identity</a><br>
This week’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/31767/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>David Weisbrot does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Palmer United Party Senator Jacqui Lambie recently created controversy by claiming in her first speech to Parliament that going back six generations, she is related to the renowned Tasmanian Aboriginal…David Weisbrot, Emeritus Professor of Law and Honorary Professor of Medicine , University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/313002014-09-17T03:02:58Z2014-09-17T03:02:58ZListen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school<p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2014-06-23/visit-north-east-arnhem-land">is spending this week in North East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear while he’s in the Top End?</em></p>
<p>Promising “a new approach to engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve real results”, the top priorities of the Australian Government’s new <a href="http://www.indigenous.gov.au/indigenous-advancement-strategy">Indigenous Advancement Strategy</a> are “getting children to school, adults into work and building safe communities”.</p>
<p>Based on 40 years of experience in Top End education, I’d argue that if you can get the schooling right – which involves adults just as much as kids – you can lay the foundations for more adults in work and safer communities too.</p>
<h2>Lifelong learning</h2>
<p>“Free, compulsory and secular” education took a long time to establish for Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory. </p>
<p>I arrived at Milingimbi in the early 1970s as one of the first government educators, soon after the good-willed but under-funded Methodists had handed over their mission schools to the Northern Territory Administration Aboriginal Welfare Branch. There, the parents asked me why, if education were so important, it was visited upon children rather than adults.</p>
<p>I had learnt in my now radical-seeming teacher education in New Zealand the stories of how formal, universal education had served to keep poor children off the streets while their parents worked in the factories of the industrial revolution, and how it prepared the children for the same menial repetitive work in confined spaces for extended periods (the rich already had their schools).</p>
<p>Yet at Milingimbi in the 1970s, there remained a vibrant Methodist tradition of adult education, and plenty of interaction between the school and adult education staff and students. Every classroom had at least one local Aboriginal teacher, and there was often a grandfather outside under a tree singing or a mother telling stories.</p>
<p>Operating without carrots or sticks for attendance, the school had a central place in the life of the community, and we spent much time on country. We learnt from the elders that each child in school was unique to his or her particular links to history, people and place, and that we needed to understand and acknowledge those differences.</p>
<p>Today, times have changed. Under the pressures of “normalisation”, people everywhere are paying attention to NAPLAN test results. They are particularly poor for Aboriginal children in remote communities who grow up with little English around them, and who come to school whenever it pleases, truancy officers notwithstanding. </p>
<p>Communities and governments alike are looking for new and different ways to work collaboratively towards “Indigenous Advancement”.</p>
<p>If I were asked for ideas that could “achieve real results” – in remote Indigenous education – the following two would be at the top of my list.</p>
<h2>Adults are as important as the kids</h2>
<p>School can be an alienating experience when there are no senior family members around and no teachers speaking familiar languages. And the ancient practice of growing up children as independent agents in their environment, free of coercion, is still very strong in remote communities. </p>
<p>Parents would love to see their kids in school every day, but only if their kids choose to be there. The kids will choose to be there if they can see their families and clan elders working together with teachers and community leaders to make active contributions to their schooling and their futures.</p>
<p>Finding good ways of welcoming parents and elders – including their languages and authority – back into schools would do wonders for the NAPLAN results, if only because of improved attendance rates and the commitment of parents to a collaborative working together.</p>
<h2>Practical benefits of tapping into local knowledge</h2>
<p>We must also think about the new generation and its contribution to our future. The emphasis on English and maths results above all else means kids are assessed well before they are confident in the richness of their local identities and connections.</p>
<p>There is so much knowledge – including local languages, history, culture, environmental and ecological knowledge – that is there, waiting to be tapped into and reappear in classroom life, just as that knowledge was shared very productively in the past.</p>
<p>If Aboriginal families and their knowledge were taken seriously in schools, alongside the important knowledge from the outside world, it would not only revive the attendance rates but also prepare students to take part in the changing remote economies.</p>
<p>This isn’t just wishful thinking. If we want Aboriginal people to take an active and productive part in the future of remote Australia, a combination of traditional Aboriginal and contemporary Australian knowledge is very much what we need.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3N91HaKMO64?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">A film about a collaborative project between CSIRO and Aboriginal rangers, organisations and community people, tackling showing locals were tackling weeds in central Australia.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There are practical ways that traditional knowledge can be a crucial path to future employment for young Aboriginal kids. For instance, in environmental services, <a href="http://www.nailsma.org.au/walfa-west-arnhem-land-fire-abatement-project">major carbon abatement projects (such as fire management)</a>, <a href="http://www.csiro.au/Organisation-Structure/Flagships/Biosecurity-Flagship/DVD-UnwelcomeStrangers.aspx">biosecurity and invasive species</a> management, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_heritage_management">cultural heritage management</a>, language, history, law, and many other areas. </p>
<p>All Australians benefit from having healthy, strong, bi-cultural Aboriginal populations in northern and central Australia.</p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/31300/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michael Christie receives funding from the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to undertake governance research, as well as funding from the Australian Research Council.</span></em></p>Tony Abbott is spending this week in North East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories…Michael Christie, Professor of Education, Charles Darwin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/273122014-09-16T20:27:53Z2014-09-16T20:27:53ZAustralia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/49725/original/fh74wd33-1401336283.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">If you're born underweight, like this little baby on the left, it can make a world of difference to your lifelong health.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Menzies Health</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2014-06-23/visit-north-east-arnhem-land">is spending this week in North-East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear while he’s in the Top End?</em></p>
<p>It’s Australia’s own <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_Series">7 Up</a>, following the progress of 686 tiny babies into adulthood, through sickness and health, for the rest of their lives. What started with one researcher working out of a linen cupboard 27 years ago has become <a href="http://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Research/Centres_initiatives_and_projects/Aboriginal_Birth_Cohort_Study_-_1987_to_2013_and_beyond/">the largest, longest-running and most significant study</a> of the lives of Indigenous babies in Australia.</p>
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<figcaption>
<span class="caption">All grown up: the Aboriginal Birth Cohort babies are now in their late 20s, and have had more than 100 children of their own.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Menzies Health</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="http://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Research/Centres_initiatives_and_projects/Aboriginal_Birth_Cohort_Study_-_1987_to_2013_and_beyond/Publications/">Our peer-reviewed research</a> has provided vital clues to help us better predict, prevent and treat chronic diseases that are common killers of Indigenous Australians. </p>
<p>Our work has also led to practical improvements for mothers and babies, including making ultrasounds to date pregnancies available at the community level, which weren’t available in the past, as well as changing health policy from a one-size-fits-all approach to making it more targeted to Aboriginal people living in both urban and remote areas.</p>
<p>Known as the <a href="http://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Research/Centres_initiatives_and_projects/Aboriginal_Birth_Cohort_Study_-_1987_to_2013_and_beyond/">Aboriginal Birth Cohort study</a>, or ABC for short, we’ve spent the past three decades checking for the earliest signs of chronic disease in our participants and noting the age at which these appear. </p>
<p>Our study has reached perhaps its most crucial time. At 18, our young women and men were mostly healthy. Now, in their mid- to late-20s, we are starting to see some diagnosed with chronic diseases like diabetes, while others are becoming overweight or obese. Obesity is the most important amplifier of other risk factors for chronic disease. </p>
<p>Our babies are now all grown up, with a third of our young women participants having become mothers to more than 100 babies of their own. What happens in the next few years will matter not just to our participants’ health; it will also shape the health of their children, and their children to come.</p>
<p>But there’s still more work to be done. This includes tracking down about half of our participants, who as adults can be much harder to find every seven years than when they were children.</p>
<h2>Vital discoveries, decades in the making</h2>
<p>Back in 1974, one of us (Susan Sayers) arrived in Darwin as a trainee pediatrician and over the years noticed how many Aboriginal babies were being born too small. </p>
<p>Concerned about how that would affect well-being in later life, between 1987 and 1990 Susan and three colleagues recruited 686 babies born to mothers who identified as Aboriginal at the Royal Darwin Hospital – <a href="http://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Research/Centres_initiatives_and_projects/Aboriginal_Birth_Cohort_Study_-_1987_to_2013_and_beyond/">almost half of all the Aboriginal babies</a> born in the Northern Territory during that time.</p>
<p>We have followed those babies ever since, with follow-up checks <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/hda/news/Singh%20slides.pdf">every six to seven years</a>, watching as they grew up through childhood, their teen years and now well into their adulthood.</p>
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<figcaption>
<span class="caption">11 Up: a boy gives a blood sample.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Menzies Health</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Each time we see them, we do a <a href="http://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Research/Centres_initiatives_and_projects/Aboriginal_Birth_Cohort_Study_-_1987_to_2013_and_beyond/">comprehensive health check</a>, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>body measurements;</li>
<li>blood pressure and tests of heart function;</li>
<li>ultrasounds of kidneys, thyroid and carotid (the artery in your neck);</li>
<li>blood and urine testing; and</li>
<li>emotional well-being and thinking ability.</li>
</ul>
<p>We also collect details about social conditions, lifestyle and nutrition. And we compare how they’re faring in growth and development, compared to their peers born with normal birth weight.</p>
<p>Soon after the ABC study began, the value of tracking babies’ health into adulthood was confirmed by a landmark 1989 study from the UK. <a href="http://www.thebarkertheory.org/science.php">Professor David Barker</a> showed the significant long-term effects of low birth weight, finding higher rates of coronary heart disease in 60 to 70-year-olds who were born small. </p>
<p>As a result of those findings and others – showing that low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, stroke and type 2 diabetes – the planned follow-up period of the Aboriginal Birth Cohort study was extended to tracking our participants all the way through their lives. </p>
<p>The ABC study has been so successful that we’re using it as a model to track the health of non-Aboriginal young people born in Darwin between 1987-1991. Called <a href="http://ext.cdu.edu.au/newsroom/a/2008/Pages/2810.aspx.html">the Top End Cohort study</a>, it’s investigating the same issues of early life factors on later health and disease.</p>
<h2>Travelling across the Top End</h2>
<p>Just as British documentary maker Michael Apted had to travel across the UK and even overseas to follow up his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_Series">7 Up child participants</a> since the 1960s, we don’t expect all our participants to come and see us in Darwin; we go to them.</p>
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<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Boys to men: snapshots of participants aged around 11 and at 18.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Menzies Health</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
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<p>Visiting each of the 40 remote communities we work with – mainly in the Top End, but down to Central Australia and across to Western Australia too – involves travelling vast distances, sometimes by light plane but more often bumping along in four-wheel-drives in all weather, including crossing unpredictable tidal rivers. </p>
<p>But it’s always worth the trip, particularly when you’re working with communities that make you welcome and even anticipate your return, helped by the fact that so many in <a href="http://www.menzies.edu.au/page/Research/Centres_initiatives_and_projects/Aboriginal_Birth_Cohort_Study_-_1987_to_2013_and_beyond/Researchers/">our team</a> are familiar faces.</p>
<p>On a recent visit to the Daly River region, around four hours’ drive south from Darwin, we met three of our participants at an outstation. One of the young men said: “I have been waiting for you for my check-up. You mob are a year late!” To our surprise, we found that all the other young people in their 20s there wanted to get in on the act of having a personal health check-up.</p>
<p>The communities we work with are involved on all levels and are always very keen to hear our latest findings. Elders in some outstations have felt so strongly about the importance of the study that they have made room for us in their own personal space.</p>
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<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Dr Gurmeet Singh at work at a makeshift community clinic.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Menzies Health</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Learning more from adults to help our babies</h2>
<p>About one in 25 Australian babies are born to Indigenous mothers – and Australia’s Indigenous population is growing at a faster rate than the national average, which makes trying to close the gap in health outcomes more important than ever.</p>
<p>And there is some good news: survival of low birth-weight Indigenous babies has dramatically increased since the 1970s and 1980s. However, newborns of Indigenous mothers are still <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/hda/news/Singh%20slides.pdf">twice as likely to be born underweight</a>, due to higher risk including higher rates of smoking, more Indigenous mothers having a low <a href="http://example.com/">Body Mass Index (BMI)</a> and a higher rate of teen pregnancy. All of these are preventable factors, which means we can and should do more to keep closing that gap in low birth-weight babies.</p>
<p>We have been fortunate to have won adequate <a href="https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/">National Health and Medical Research Council</a> funding to conduct this current round of visits to communities across northern and central Australia. But obtaining ongoing funding for in between our six to seven-yearly visits is harder. This has restricted our ability to do more and learn more from this unique, life-long study of Indigenous Australian babies.</p>
<h2>What changed between 18 and 26 up?</h2>
<p>The advantage of following the same group of young people for all these years is that it is one of the best ways to tease out the cause of diseases they may face. </p>
<p>Up to the age of 18, our young women and men were healthy; had low or normal amounts of body fat (as measured by <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-overweight-obese-bmi-what-does-it-all-mean-7011">body mass index, or BMI</a>), particularly those born with a low birth weight; and showed no early signs of chronic disease.</p>
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<figcaption>
<span class="caption">11 Up: testing young lungs.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Menzies Health</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>But in our most recent checks – which started last year and will continue into next year – some of the 24- to 28-year-olds we’re seeing are becoming overweight. That’s not only a major risk factor for diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but also magnifies the risk posed by being low birth weight.</p>
<p>Knowing more about the timing of when chronic disease markers like these start to appear is crucial, as it will help us – and health experts in other parts of Australia – come up with better health strategies targeted at those most at risk, at the most appropriate time. </p>
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<figcaption>
<span class="caption">26 Up: a photo taken in the current round of ABC study health checks, in which the participants – like this proud dad – are typically aged around 26.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Menzies Health</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Over the next few years it is likely that some of our participants will show signs of chronic disease, so following them through this time is essential.</p>
<p>Of the 686 babies in the first health check, we know of 32 who have died. But our participation rate is gradually falling for another reason: the older our participants get, the more they’re moving around for work or relationships, which can make them harder to find. So far in the current round of check-ups, we’ve caught up with about half of our participants, but we’re still trying to track down about 300 more.</p>
<p>The more people read and share this story, the more chance we have of finding these participants and keeping this crucial research going. In doing so, we hope to find better ways to improve the lives of many more generations of babies to come.</p>
<p><em>If you are one of the original ABC participants, someone in your family is, or you would like to know when they will be visiting your community, please contact the ABC Study team’s project manager Belinda Davison: Belinda.davison@menzies.edu.au or 0458 543 765.</em></p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/27312/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Gurmeet Singh receives funding from NHMRC.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Susan Sayers does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Tony Abbott is spending this week in North-East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories…Gurmeet Singh, Senior research fellow and director of Life Course Studies, Menzies School of Health ResearchSusan Sayers, Principal research fellow, Menzies School of Health ResearchLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/265242014-09-15T20:33:15Z2014-09-15T20:33:15ZIndigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes<p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2014-06-23/visit-north-east-arnhem-land">is spending this week in North-East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear while he’s in the Top End?</em></p>
<p>A dramatic change has been underway in Australia for some decades – yet few people know about it, or understand its far-reaching impacts.</p>
<p>Quite simply, official measurements show the number of First Australians has skyrocketed to far outstrip growth in any other sub-section of the national population. From 1981 to 2011, the number of Indigenous Australians increased by around 185% (compiled from Australian Bureau Statistics <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3105.0.65.0012008?OpenDocument">here</a> and <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/33970B13F1DF7F56CA257B3B00117AA2?opendocument">here</a>.)</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/57303/original/mppt886h-1408972210.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/57303/original/mppt886h-1408972210.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/57303/original/mppt886h-1408972210.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=417&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57303/original/mppt886h-1408972210.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=417&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57303/original/mppt886h-1408972210.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=417&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57303/original/mppt886h-1408972210.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=524&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57303/original/mppt886h-1408972210.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=524&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57303/original/mppt886h-1408972210.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=524&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Where Indigenous Australians live.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129543587">Healthy for Life Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Report Card, 2013</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Contrary to the stereotypes, most of that population growth hasn’t been in the Top End or in remote areas. Instead, it has mainly occurred <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/3238.0Media%20Release02001%20to%202026?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3238.0&issue=2001%20to%202026&num=&view=">in capital cities and the regions around these</a>, and especially in Sydney, Brisbane and their hinterlands. There is little doubt that trend will continue to <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/3238.0Media%20Release02001%20to%202026?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3238.0&issue=2001%20to%202026&num=&view=">erode the share of Indigenous Australians living in remote parts</a> of the country. </p>
<p>So what’s driving all that growth? What are the consequences? And why might a new wave of Indigenous voters swing one way more than another?</p>
<h2>670,000 strong and rising</h2>
<p>An estimated <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/3101.0Main+Features1Dec%202013?OpenDocument">669,881 Australians</a> were of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin in 2011. By 2026, that number is expected to <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3105.0.65.0012008?OpenDocument">exceed 900,000</a>.</p>
<p>The fast-growing Indigenous population is driven by a <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/3238.0Media%20Release02001%20to%202026?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3238.0&issue=2001%20to%202026&num=&view=">number of factors</a>. These include higher levels of fertility than for other Australians and continued improvements in life expectancies. But there is more to it than just new Indigenous births outstripping deaths. The reasons for the rapid growth are more complex than that and are entwined with the historical oppression of the First Australians. </p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/57331/original/qqyjxv68-1409017182.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/57331/original/qqyjxv68-1409017182.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/57331/original/qqyjxv68-1409017182.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=538&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57331/original/qqyjxv68-1409017182.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=538&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57331/original/qqyjxv68-1409017182.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=538&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57331/original/qqyjxv68-1409017182.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=676&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57331/original/qqyjxv68-1409017182.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=676&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/57331/original/qqyjxv68-1409017182.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=676&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Australia’s Indigenous population is younger than the national average: in 2011, 35.8% of the Indigenous population was aged less than 15, compared with 18.3% in the non-Indigenous population.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129543587">Healthy for Life: Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Report Card, 2013</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Census and other official data track who we are as a nation – including capturing Indigenous status. The Indigenous status question in the Census is based on self-identification. That means individuals can freely choose how they identify, and change this over time.</p>
<p>Although it is difficult to get a precise figure, much of the growth we have seen in the Indigenous population is from people who did not previously declare they were Indigenous doing so in later censuses.</p>
<p>As our society has begun to understand and seek to rectify past and present injustices, more people have become willing to declare they are Indigenous Australians. The land rights movement is one factor that has raised collective awareness of our Indigenous histories and cultures.</p>
<p>Estimates based on a survey conducted just four weeks after the 2011 Census suggested around 17% of Australians changed their Indigenous status. The majority of these switched from <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2940.0">“non-Indigenous” or “not stated” to declaring themselves as Indigenous</a>.</p>
<p>Almost all of that affinity switching occurs in capital cities and their hinterlands, which is where <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/data?opendocument#from-banner=LN">most Indigenous Australians now live</a>. In every sense, the “new Indigenous” Australians living in our cities and suburbs are far removed from the most common media reporting of impoverished, remote First Australian communities.</p>
<p>Accentuating the trend, almost all (about 90%) of Indigenous Australians living in cities and married or in de facto relationships have a non-Indigenous partner. Offspring from these mixed partnerships are highly likely to be declared as Indigenous on the birth certificate, accelerating the growth of the Indigenous-identifying cohort.</p>
<p>The consequences of more Australians identifying as Indigenous are far-reaching.</p>
<h2>Shifting government funding</h2>
<p>With so many more people identifying as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, one unintended consequence is that it’s shifting funding away from parts of Australia that are home to some of the poorest Indigenous communities.</p>
<p>In total numbers, <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3238.02001%20to%202026?OpenDocument">New South Wales and Queensland lead the way</a> for being home to the most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (208,476 and 188,954 respectively in 2011). That’s about three times more Indigenous Australians <em>each</em> than live in the Northern Territory. </p>
<p>But almost one in three people (30%) in the Northern Territory is Indigenous, still a far greater proportion than the national average of 3%. <a href="https://theconversation.com/state-of-the-states-northern-territory-17345">Around 80%-85% of the NT government’s revenue</a> comes from the Commonwealth, mostly as a general purpose grant from money raised by the Goods and Services Tax (GST). </p>
<p>States or territories with Indigenous population proportions above the Australian average receive a greater share of GST, for reasons explained in <a href="http://www.gstdistributionreview.gov.au/content/Content.aspx?doc=reports/finaloctober2012/10chap10.htm">this GST Distribution Review for Treasury</a>.</p>
<p>In the Northern Territory in particular, the total population living in very remote communities with poor socio-economic conditions is growing, yet the Territory’s share of the national Indigenous population is rapidly diminishing. As a direct result, in 2014 about A$110 million a year was lost from the GST-derived grants to the Northern Territory.</p>
<p>The NT’s ability to tackle issues of Indigenous well-being is <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Products/02D95BFBCDD976FBCA257CC900143A5B?opendocument">diminishing with every percentage point shift</a> for the Indigenous-identifying population residing in urban Australia.</p>
<h2>Shifting allegiances?</h2>
<p>The remote Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory have shifted their votes twice in recent years. In the 2012 Territory election, these bush communities reversed three decades of voting Labor and <a href="https://theconversation.com/was-the-nt-election-outcome-a-shockwave-or-a-regional-ripple-9138">voted for Country Liberal politicians (all but one, Indigenous)</a>.</p>
<p>Then in the last federal election, the Aboriginal bush vote returned to Labor and <a href="https://theconversation.com/lingiari-unique-but-still-a-mirror-of-the-broader-contest-15518">saved the Labor MHR for Lingiari</a>. So remote community Aborigines are becoming more instrumental in their voting, as well as less predictable.</p>
<p>But there’s also an emerging national trend to watch: more affluent urban Indigenous voters, who may be more open to voting conservative than before.</p>
<h2>Religion, race, youth and politics</h2>
<p>If you look closely, most of the nationally measurable improvements in Indigenous employment and education outcomes are concentrated in a few major cities and their surrounding areas.</p>
<p>This has tantalising implications. For example, before World War II most Catholics voted Labor, mostly for historical reasons or because of occupational class-based identification.</p>
<p>When <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillip_Lynch">Phillip Lynch</a> became the <a href="http://www.afr.com/p/opinion/catholic_connection_weighs_on_abbott_bJRmFz4xMshh9MGtqvhPfO">first Catholic minister</a> in Malcolm Fraser’s conservative government, it was seen as unique. Now, the Prime Minister and <a href="https://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2009/20091110_44.shtml">Treasurer</a>, along with <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/coalition-celebrates-a-religious-easter-eight-of-19-cabinet-members-are-catholic-20140419-36xn4.html">nearly half of the other cabinet members</a>, are Catholic. As individuals and families have moved up the social ladder, Catholicism has become no longer a marker of pro-Labor voting. </p>
<p>Will this happen with young, upwardly mobile, Indigenous-identifying residents of the major cities? Is former Labor president Warren Mundine, now the Prime Minister’s top Indigenous adviser, a harbinger of such socio-political change?</p>
<p>Perhaps Ken Wyatt – Australia’s first Indigenous member of the House of Representatives, who won the Western Australian seat of Hasluck for the Liberals – will be the Phillip Lynch of our times. If this hypothesis is correct, then all the old assumptions of Indigenous politics could be overturned. </p>
<p>So when he starts planning his next week living and working with an Indigenous community next year the Prime Minister could reconsider going bush – and instead end up staying in the marginal seat heartland of <a href="http://profile.id.com.au/wsroc/population?WebID=200">western Sydney</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/26524/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Taylor receives grant funding from the Australian Research Council.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Rolf Gerritsen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Tony Abbott is spending this week in North-East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories…Andrew Taylor, Principal Scientist, Charles Darwin UniversityRolf Gerritsen, Professorial Research Fellow, Northern Institute, Charles Darwin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/309642014-09-15T20:32:46Z2014-09-15T20:32:46ZWell-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58199/original/923z5cdd-1409796449.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A still from the Australian Communications and Media Authority's award-winning Be Deadly Online campaign.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">ACMAcybersmart/YouTube</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2014-06-23/visit-north-east-arnhem-land">is spending this week in North-East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear while he’s in the Top End?</em></p>
<p>Two things are part of the everyday reality of life for many Australian kids, teens and 20-somethings. One is their avid use of social media to connect with friends and share their feelings via status updates, spending hours glued to their mobile phones. But, sadly, too often the other everyday reality is self-harm and suicide. </p>
<p>More than anyone else, that’s particularly true for Indigenous Australians. Young Indigenous Australians are enthusiastic users of social media, spending about <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/08/26/remote-indigenous-australians-rely-facebook-stay-touch">20% more time on social media</a> than other Australians their age. Tragically, they also live with a <a href="http://www.rch.org.au/cah/research/Youth_Suicide_in_Australia/">far higher risk of youth suicide</a>. </p>
<p>Suicide rates in Indigenous communities have been increasing over the past few decades. In some communities the suicide rates are <a href="https://bepartofthehealing.org/EldersReport.pdf">among the highest in the world</a> – with most of those deaths being young people under 29.</p>
<p>While there can be downsides to social media, such as the potential for kids to be bullied or subject to racist abuse, my research into <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AboriginalIdentityOnline">Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity and Community Online</a> highlights the potential for social media to provide a strong sense of community and support for young people. As one participant in my research says: “We can’t undervalue these sorts of virtual communities that we set up.” Through posting their thoughts and feelings, or directly reaching out to others, participants said they felt supported by their online network. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3iOBMU-UirQ?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">A video from the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Be Deadly Online campaign, which won a 2014 World Media Festival award in Germany this year.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Chatting on Facebook and Divas</h2>
<p>My research has also found that <a href="http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1849&context=lhapapers">Facebook is the most popular site</a> among Aboriginal people and groups. In remote communities, <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/08/26/remote-indigenous-australians-rely-facebook-stay-touch">more than 60% of the population is on Facebook</a>. Other networks such as <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.airg.launchers.divas.web&hl=en">Divas Chat</a> – a Telstra-backed social network, which is free on prepaid Telstra mobiles – <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/12/22/3396787.htm">are also popular</a>, particularly in remote locations.</p>
<p>Access to the Telstra 3G mobile network in remote Australia has resulted in a rise of creativity and connection. <a href="http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Youth+media+as+cultural+practice%3A+remote+indigenous+youth+speaking...-a0274114323">Indigenous youth use digital technologies and social media</a> for a wide range of social and cultural activities: everything from uploading their latest multimedia productions, to commenting on each other’s photos, updating their status, keeping in touch, and discussing family and community business. </p>
<p>Social media is transforming the way we communicate with each other and the way in which we are connected to other people at a local, regional, national and global level. Certainly for Indigenous people in remote areas, Facebook and other social networks provide a site of connection to others and allow users to maintain contact across both vast distances and time, increasing social connectivity.</p>
<h2>Tackling isolation and suicide risks</h2>
<p>Given that isolation is a multiplier of suicide risk, I wasn’t surprised to find in my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AboriginalIdentityOnline">national research project</a> that the topic of suicide, self-harm and social network sites has been consistently raised. As one of my research participants said about the potential for social media support:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Part of suicide, from what I understand, is the feelings of isolation. So there’s an opportunity for people to feel slightly less isolated. Or for a call for help to be answered, information about where to get help can be disseminated through social media, and really, really quickly. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Youth suicide in the <a href="http://www.nt.gov.au/lant/parliamentary-business/committees/ctc/youth-suicides/Final_Report_on_Youth_Suicides.pdf">Northern Territory is 3.5 times the national average</a> and young Aboriginal men are the highest risk group. There is also an alarming rise in the rate of suicide by young girls and women.</p>
<p>But suicide in Indigenous communities isn’t isolated to the Northern Territory. Nation-wide, the suicide rate in Indigenous communities is estimated to be <a href="http://www.rch.org.au/cah/research/Youth_Suicide_in_Australia/">40% higher than the rate of non-Indigenous suicide</a>. This is nothing short of an epidemic.</p>
<p>Between 2001 and 2010, there were 996 Indigenous suicide deaths across Australia, and for every suicide there are hundreds of attempted suicides. Thousands of Indigenous Australians are hospitalised every year <a href="http://www.independentaustralia.net/australia/australia-display/the-australian-aboriginal-suicide-epidemic,5818">due to self-harm</a>.</p>
<p>Little wonder that experts such as Aboriginal mental health and suicide prevention advisory group co-chair Professor Pat Dudgeon describe it as an “escalating tragedy”. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner <a href="https://bepartofthehealing.org/EldersReport.pdf">Mick Gooda says suicide</a> is an “epidemic … devastating families and communities across the Top End of Australia”.</p>
<h2>Tapping into social media for support and strength</h2>
<p>Reducing suicide and suicidal behaviour among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is now <a href="http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pub-atsi-suicide-prevention-strategy">a public health priority for all Australian governments</a>.</p>
<p>Indigenous participants in my research project were asked whether or not they thought social media could be a platform for people to seek support. The consensus so far has been that support through social media should not replace personal contact, but that it could supplement it.</p>
<p>Some participants said that social media might be a less daunting way for users to find support and reach out when in need. It was also described as offering an alternative outlet for users’ feelings and thoughts, circumventing some of the social barriers to requesting help. This suggests social media might encourage users to seek support in situations where they would not have otherwise done so. </p>
<p>Having said that, some people also expressed concerns about social media’s ability to create supportive environments. Among the biggest worries was the potential for negativity, bullying and racism on social media. One participant suggested “you could drive someone to suicide on Twitter”. The other concern related to its effectiveness as constituting a replacement of physical contact. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l07h-days9E?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">A video from the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Be Deadly Online campaign, which won a 2014 World Media Festival award in Germany earlier this year.<</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Using technology for support</h2>
<p>If you ask Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids and young adults if they’d be willing to give up social media – even if it meant avoiding the risks of being bullied or copping racist abuse online – most would say no way. As one of my participants explained, “there would be a sense of loss. Most definitely … it would be a big part of me that just wouldn’t be there.” </p>
<p>Sadly, many young Indigenous people do experience bullying, negativity and racism in their lives. And that does real harm: a recent study found that among Aboriginal people aged 16-20 years living in the Northern Territory, the experience of <a href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2011/194/10/racism-determinant-social-and-emotional-wellbeing-aboriginal-australian-youth">racism was associated with anxiety, depression and suicide risk</a>. </p>
<p>Based on my research, I believe we need to develop more programs that teach young people ways to deal with bullying and racism, no matter whether it happens to them in person or via social media.</p>
<p>Additionally, more research is needed in Australia to determine whether suicide risk could be monitored through posts on social media or whether social media can offer a platform for suicide prevention programs. </p>
<p>To keep up with the popularity of social media it would be good to see training for suicide prevention specifically for the virtual world. A great example of this type of work is happening at the University of Queensland. Led by <a href="http://www.som.uq.edu.au/staff/staff-profiles/medical-education/dr-maree-toombs.aspx">Indigenous Health director Dr Maree Coombs</a>, <a href="http://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2014/09/smartphone-app-tackles-indigenous-youth-suicide">they are creating a smartphone app</a> aimed at connecting at-risk youth with service providers in an attempt to prevent Indigenous youth suicide. </p>
<p>Importantly, it’s part of a broader training program connecting health providers, community members, peers, school leaders and mentors. The smartphone app and social media will be part of putting that training program into action. Rather than <a href="http://suicidepreventionaust.org/statement/suicide-prevention-and-capacity-building-in-australian-indigenous-communities/">indiscriminately adapting non-Indigenous models of suicide prevention</a>, the way the app is being developed is a good example of the approach needed: consultative, collaborative and culturally based. </p>
<h2>What you can do in the meantime</h2>
<p>While apps and other new initiatives are important, participants in my research said they are already using a number of strategies to reach out and help others.</p>
<p>After identifying people in their online network at risk of self-harm, several participants suggested they would (or have previously) “inbox” the person (that is, send them a private, direct message) to see if they were all right, ensure they felt supported, and pass on information for further help.</p>
<p>Alternatively, participants said they would sometimes contact friends or family, either through social media or otherwise, to develop a support network and decide how to proceed.</p>
<p>Most participants stated they would be very interested in educational programs that assisted social media users with identifying people at risk and strategies to intervene.</p>
<p><em>* For support in a crisis, please call <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline Australia</a> on <strong>13 11 14</strong> – a 24-hour, confidential service available from landlines, payphones or mobiles. If your life or anyone else’s is in immediate danger, call 000.</em></p>
<p><em>You can also get the <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Facts---Information/Preventing-Suicide/Preventing-Suicide">Lifeline Tool Kit for suicide prevention information for Indigenous people here</a>.</em></p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/30964/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Bronwyn Carlson receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Discovery Indigenous Grant ($205,000.00)
Project Title: Aboriginal identity and community online: a sociological exploration of Aboriginal peoples’ use of online social media (2013-2015).
</span></em></p>Tony Abbott is spending this week in North-East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories…Bronwyn Carlson, Senior Lecturer, Indigenous Studies, University of WollongongLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/309712014-09-15T20:31:27Z2014-09-15T20:31:27ZHow crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush<p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2014-06-23/visit-north-east-arnhem-land">is spending this week in North East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear while he’s in the Top End?</em></p>
<p>Earlier this year, Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/curfews-for-kids-to-battle-truancy/story-fn9hm1pm-1226815395242?nk=">attracted national media coverage</a> on his visits to remote Top End Aboriginal communities, where he urged new local truancy officers clad in bright yellow T-shirts and bearing loudhailers to “get the kids to school”. But after an initial spike in attendance at bush schools – often from an alarmingly low base – our more recent analysis suggests that little lasting improvement has been achieved.</p>
<p>Our research shows a huge gap in Indigenous and non-Indigenous school attendance in the Northern Territory remains. However, we have also uncovered some of the reasons for that poor attendance, which could make a real difference to seeing more Indigenous kids in school and getting the education they need for a better future.</p>
<h2>Why turning up at school matters</h2>
<p>An attendance rate of 80% is generally considered to be the absolute minimum for a student to be able to keep up in their school learning.</p>
<p>A recent <a href="http://www.menzies.edu.au/">Menzies School of Health Research</a> study analysed the school attendance records of about 6,500 children born in the Northern Territory between 1994 and 2004. It found that two-thirds (66%) of the Indigenous students in the sample attended school less than 80% of the school days over their school career. In contrast, just 5% of non-Indigenous students fell below the touchstone 80% attendance level. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58099/original/bj7tq4vw-1409718746.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58099/original/bj7tq4vw-1409718746.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58099/original/bj7tq4vw-1409718746.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58099/original/bj7tq4vw-1409718746.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58099/original/bj7tq4vw-1409718746.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58099/original/bj7tq4vw-1409718746.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58099/original/bj7tq4vw-1409718746.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58099/original/bj7tq4vw-1409718746.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Menzies Health</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Getting a good education, and doing well at school in a broader social sense, is widely acknowledged as providing the foundation for a healthy and prosperous future. Employers cannot realistically offer work to applicants who lack basic levels of literacy and numeracy.</p>
<p>The disturbing findings from our analysis underline the fact that closing the gap in literacy and numeracy will require much more effective measures to improve school attendance. </p>
<p>Sadly, the school experience of too many Aboriginal children in the NT seems unlikely to offer a path to a better future. The <a href="http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/naplan.html">2013 NAPLAN results show</a> that 18% of year 3 Indigenous children in Australia had reading scores below the national minimum standard. In the NT this figure is dramatically higher – almost half (49%) of Indigenous students are falling below this standard.</p>
<p>These children have little chance of making good progress in their school education. They are very likely to leave school early, without the functional literacy they need to secure and hold a job. Governments, Indigenous communities and society generally simply cannot afford a continuing failure of education of this magnitude.</p>
<p>So Senator Scullion is right to focus public attention on these devastating figures, given the gravity of the consequences of such low school attendance. </p>
<p>But are truancy officers the right solution?</p>
<h2>Tackling the causes of truancy</h2>
<p>On the face of it, the federal government’s allocation of <a href="http://minister.indigenous.gov.au/media/2014-04-04/remote-school-attendance-strategy-rolled-out-additional-30-schools">A$46.5 million to the Remote School Attendance Strategy</a> – and its imposition of an income management regime on families who fail to send their children to school – makes sense.</p>
<p>However, many complex contributing factors to do with life in remote Australia create the preconditions for low school attendance. While families must take responsibility for ensuring their children attend school, it should also be acknowledged that underlying community issues such as inadequate housing and health care, and inter-generational unemployment, are affecting their capacity to exercise this responsibility.</p>
<p>School attendance is a particularly thorny issue. Efforts to address one aspect of the problem all too easily reveal previously hidden concerns or create new obstacles.</p>
<p>If we want to find a scapegoat for the disappointing progress in improving Indigenous education outcomes, then it’s easy to focus on the performance of bush schools. But the problems of remote Australia are complex and the solutions need to be nuanced.</p>
<p>The truth is, schools can’t be expected do it all on their own. In fact, having looked at this problem closely, our <a href="http://ccde.menzies.edu.au/">Centre for Child Development and Education</a> has concluded that one of the crucial solutions to this problem lies not at school, but at home.</p>
<h2>The connections between housing and school</h2>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/W9SiFK">Our research</a> indicates a strong correlation between overcrowding in housing and school attendance.</p>
<p>We combined publicly available Australian Bureau of Statistics community data with schools data from the MySchool website on school attendance in remote Northern Territory, Western Australian and Queensland locations. Eight community factors – including average adult weekly income, education level, language spoken at home and remoteness – were identified as being separately correlated with attendance.</p>
<p>Remarkably, when we examined how these factors operated in combination, almost half of the explained variation in attendance was accounted for by a single measure: housing over-crowding, which is the average number of people per available bedroom in the community.</p>
<p>The average number of people per bedroom in these communities ranged from one to almost four. For each extra person per bedroom, there was a 20% reduction in the rate of school attendance.</p>
<p>There are compelling reasons for tackling housing overcrowding as an immediate health issue. However, the strength of this link between housing and school attendance suggests that reducing the shortage of adequate housing may be another important way to enable families to better support their children’s school attendance and learning.</p>
<p><em>Correction: A figure in this article – A$46.5 million to the Remote School Attendance Strategy – has been updated, along with an online reference. Thanks very much to reader Greg Dickson.</em></p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/30971/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sven Silburn receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Research Council, The Ian Potter Foundation, The Sidney Myer Fund & the Northern Territory departments of Health, Education, and Families and Children.</span></em></p>Tony Abbott is spending this week in North East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories…Sven Silburn, Co-director, Menzies Centre for Child Development and Education, Menzies School of Health ResearchLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/313782014-09-15T01:39:10Z2014-09-15T01:39:10ZWelcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58725/original/wfq3qdfj-1410396274.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Djapana – sunset – at Bawaka in North-East Arnhem Land.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sarah Wright</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2014-06-23/visit-north-east-arnhem-land">is spending this week in North East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear while he’s in the Top End?</em></p>
<blockquote>
<p>When <em>ngapaki</em>, non-Indigenous people, come to Bawaka they see the beauty of the blue sea and the white sand, but they don’t see what really makes our land beautiful. They don’t see the stories, the connections, the patterns, the rhythms, the songlines. – Laklak Burarrwanga</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We are Yolŋu people, from Bawaka in North East Arnhem Land, which is more than 600 kilometres east of Darwin and is down the coast from <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-13/abbott-to-camp-in-arnhem-land/5741340">where the Prime Minister is camping this week</a>. </p>
<p>Bawaka is our homeland, our Country. Country means the land, but it means so much more too.</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="500px" frameborder="0" src="https://a.tiles.mapbox.com/v4/editorial-team.jgdfm94i/attribution,zoompan,zoomwheel,geocoder,share.html?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiZWRpdG9yaWFsLXRlYW0iLCJhIjoiQ2dCREhsUSJ9.CH7em9Q5WmOSXAy15sPwng"></iframe>
<p><em>Zoom out on the map to see where Bawaka is in northern Australia.</em></p>
<p>For the past eight years, our research group of five Yolŋu (sometimes written as Yolngu) women and three non-Indigenous academics have been working together sharing the Yolŋu women’s knowledge, especially through the women’s <a href="http://www.lirrwitourism.com.au/">tourism business</a> and the book we wrote together, <a href="http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781743313961">Welcome to My Country</a>.</p>
<p>We want visitors to learn from us, so that Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can grow together. We are for unity and for peace. </p>
<p>We are for learning <a href="http://livingknowledge.anu.edu.au/html/educators/07_bothways.htm">both ways</a>. We are for a future where we all learn from each other.</p>
<p>So we invite you now to come with us to Bawaka, to learn a little about what lies beneath the beauty of Bawaka. We invite you, and the Prime Minister, to take off your shoes and walk with us, to feel your feet in the sand and begin to learn. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58451/original/t72gh3tm-1410172740.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58451/original/t72gh3tm-1410172740.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58451/original/t72gh3tm-1410172740.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58451/original/t72gh3tm-1410172740.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58451/original/t72gh3tm-1410172740.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58451/original/t72gh3tm-1410172740.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58451/original/t72gh3tm-1410172740.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58451/original/t72gh3tm-1410172740.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The beach at Bawaka.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sandie Suchet-Pearson</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>When <em>ngapaki</em> come to Bawaka, we ask Bawaka Country to welcome you. Bawaka is alive, it talks to us and cares for us. </p>
<p>We welcome you so that the land and the sea, the tides, the currents, the plants, the animals, the winds, the rocks, the songs and the dreams recognise you. </p>
<p>And <em>we</em> are Bawaka Country too, Yolŋu people, our ancestors and our unborn children, with our Yolŋu languages (<em>dhäruk</em>), our Yolŋu knowledge and our Yolŋu Law (<em>Rom</em>). People are Country too. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58452/original/27359jjv-1410173895.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58452/original/27359jjv-1410173895.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58452/original/27359jjv-1410173895.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58452/original/27359jjv-1410173895.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58452/original/27359jjv-1410173895.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58452/original/27359jjv-1410173895.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58452/original/27359jjv-1410173895.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58452/original/27359jjv-1410173895.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Laklak gathering <em>gunga</em>, pandanus, for basket weaving.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sandie Suchet-Pearson</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Country will welcome you as long as you respect it, as long as you behave well and care for the land and the nature, care for each other as family, as kin. </p>
<p>Country is everything in balance, everything connected as kin. Country nourishes us, and we nourish Country. We can’t be separated from it. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58454/original/hqb2zsjv-1410175005.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58454/original/hqb2zsjv-1410175005.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58454/original/hqb2zsjv-1410175005.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58454/original/hqb2zsjv-1410175005.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58454/original/hqb2zsjv-1410175005.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58454/original/hqb2zsjv-1410175005.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58454/original/hqb2zsjv-1410175005.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58454/original/hqb2zsjv-1410175005.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Cutting up <em>miyapunu</em>, turtle.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Matt Webb</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58400/original/ynr6sj4h-1410142348.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58400/original/ynr6sj4h-1410142348.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58400/original/ynr6sj4h-1410142348.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=909&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58400/original/ynr6sj4h-1410142348.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=909&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58400/original/ynr6sj4h-1410142348.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=909&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58400/original/ynr6sj4h-1410142348.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1143&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58400/original/ynr6sj4h-1410142348.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1143&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58400/original/ynr6sj4h-1410142348.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1143&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">In our most recent book, Welcome to My Country, we share some of our stories and knowledge of Bawaka.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Allen & Unwin</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Everything at Bawaka has and tells a story. Everything communicates, through its own language and its own Law. </p>
<p>At Bawaka, it is now the season of <em>Rarranhdharr</em>. </p>
<p>It is a hot, dry season, the time of year when your feet burn when you walk on the sand. The fruits are ripening and the <em>warrkarr</em>, the white lily, is in flower. The <em>warrkarr</em> tells us that it is the right time to hunt stingray. It is a bountiful season. Everything is ripening and getting fat. </p>
<p>If we listen to the <em>warrkarr</em>, we know it is time to hunt. Country is communicating with us. We are connected, the fruits, the stingray, our hot feet and the <em>warrkarr</em>. </p>
<p>All these things have their knowledge and their Law. They must be respected. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58439/original/39xnx5wg-1410161649.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58439/original/39xnx5wg-1410161649.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/58439/original/39xnx5wg-1410161649.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58439/original/39xnx5wg-1410161649.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58439/original/39xnx5wg-1410161649.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58439/original/39xnx5wg-1410161649.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58439/original/39xnx5wg-1410161649.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/58439/original/39xnx5wg-1410161649.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Shandi and Shyrell preparing stingray at Bawaka.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Sandie Suchet-Pearson</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Everything at Bawaka tells a story, and everything communicates, but we must know how to listen. </p>
<p>Remember, Country can’t be pulled apart and people can’t be separated from Country. </p>
<p>We live on Country, we won’t be treated as if we have no strength, no knowledge, no Law, no language. </p>
<p>Country makes us strong. Country cares, Country nourishes, Country is who we are. We are Yolŋu.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>In the Yolŋu world, we have a library in the land. You can’t destroy it. If you burn it, it grows again. This land is full of more knowledge than you can imagine. – Laklak Burarrwanga</p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pm-for-aboriginal-affairs-abbott-faces-his-biggest-hearing-test-31021">‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/31378/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Laklak Burarrwanga established her family-owned tourism business Bawaka Cultural Experiences and through this business she shares her knowledge with tourists, including government staff in cross-cultural programs. She is an Honorary Associate of the Department of Environment and Geography at Macquarie University and has been working with academics from Macquarie University and the University of Newcastle for nearly eight years. She is a senior knowledge holder in a Australian Research Council-funded project, working with Kate, Sarah and Sandie.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Banbapuy Ganambarr works with Bawaka Cultural Experiences, a successful Yolŋu owned-and-run Indigenous tourism business. She is also a senior knowledge holder in a Australian Research Council-funded project, working with Kate, Sarah and Sandie.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Djawundil Maymuru works with Bawaka Cultural Experiences, a successful Yolŋu owned-and-run Indigenous tourism business. She is also a senior knowledge holder in a Australian Research Council-funded project, working with Kate, Sarah and Sandie.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kate Lloyd receives funding from the Australian Research Council.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs works with Bawaka Cultural Experiences, a successful Yolŋu owned-and-run Indigenous tourism business. She is also a senior knowledge holder in a Australian Research Council-funded project, working with Kate, Sarah and Sandie.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ritjilili Ganambarr works with her family’s successful Yolŋu owned-and-run Indigenous tourism business, Bawaka Cultural Experiences. She is also a senior knowledge holder in a Australian Research Council-funded project, working with Kate, Sarah and Sandie.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sandie Suchet-Pearson receives funding from the Australian Research Council.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sarah Wright receives funding from the Australian Research Council.</span></em></p>Tony Abbott is spending this week in North East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories…Laklak Burarrwanga, Elder for the Datiwuy people and a caretaker for the Gumatj clan; Bawaka Cultural Experiences; Honorary Associate of the Department of Environment and Geography, Macquarie UniversityBanbapuy Ganambarr, Author, artist, weaver; teacher at Yirrkala school; Bawaka Cultural Experiences; Honorary Associate of the Department of Environment and Geography, Macquarie UniversityDjawundil Maymuru, Bawaka Cultural Experiences and Honorary Associate of the Department of Environment and Geography, Macquarie UniversityKate Lloyd, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography; Director of the Development Studies and Cultural Change Program, Macquarie UniversityMerrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Principal of Yirrkala Community School; Yolŋu woman; Bawaka Cultural Experiences; Honorary Associate of the Department of Environment and Geography , Macquarie UniversityRitjilili Ganambarr, Elder for the Datiwuy people and a caretaker for the Gumatj clan; Bawaka Cultural Experiences; Honorary Associate of the Department of Environment and Geography, Macquarie UniversitySandie Suchet-Pearson, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, Macquarie UniversitySarah Wright, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography and Development Studies, University of NewcastleLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/310212014-09-14T20:20:38Z2014-09-14T20:20:38Z‘PM for Aboriginal Affairs’ Abbott faces his biggest hearing test<p><em>Tony Abbott <a href="https://www.pm.gov.au/media/2014-06-23/visit-north-east-arnhem-land">is spending this week in North East Arnhem Land</a>, part of his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/abbott-calls-for-new-era-of-engagement-with-indigenous-australia-20130810-2rony.html">long-held hope</a> “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories does the PM need to hear while he’s in the Top End?</em></p>
<p>One thing is certain about the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-13/abbott-to-camp-in-arnhem-land/5741340">Prime Minister’s week in North East Arnhem Land</a>: no matter what he does, he’ll be criticised for it. That’s just how it is with politics, especially Aboriginal politics. People love to criticise. </p>
<p>Some of the criticisms the PM could face include that his visit has come later than <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/24/abbott%E2%80%99s-broken-promise-sparks-online-controversy">he originally promised</a>; that a week is not enough for a visit like this; that he can’t manage to visit all the communities in the region; or he will be criticised after the fact if his visit does not result in an immediate solution to the problems facing some Aborigines. </p>
<p>Why do people like to criticise not only governments but also Aboriginal leaders when it comes to Indigenous affairs? I believe the answer is because being a critic is so much easier than facing some uncomfortable truths: truths that need to be openly discussed if we are to close the gap. </p>
<p>Importantly, the comments I make here are not restricted to the Aboriginal people of North East Arnhem Land, but are broader points raised by this week’s visit. That’s because I expect that the decisions Tony Abbott makes as a result of this trip – part of the <a href="http://www.dpmc.gov.au/indigenous_affairs/index.cfm">government’s plan</a> to find new ways of <a href="https://theconversation.com/search?q=closing+the+gap">closing the gap</a> – will have implications for Indigenous Australians beyond the Northern Territory.</p>
<h2>Listening to many voices, in many languages</h2>
<p>To minimise some of the criticisms that are bound to appear after his visit, the Prime Minister should meet with a representative sample of people. </p>
<p>This means speaking with and listening to those who may not speak English (and hence require a translator); leaders of different factions and families; the men and women; the young and the elderly; and the service providers.</p>
<p>Abbott also needs to be clear about the purpose of his visit and what can be expected. The demands are likely to be high. </p>
<p>While he needs to listen to the people, he needs to be upfront and tell them what it will take for them to have jobs, schools that provide quality education and access to services most Australians take for granted. </p>
<p>The PM needs to be able to tell the people if all this will be possible for them if they remain where they are. And if it is not possible, the people need to know what the options are.</p>
<h2>Clear calls for action, with clear goals</h2>
<p>Meanwhile, the Aboriginal leaders and community members seeing Abbott should be clear in their requests, and go into meetings knowing what is viable in the short- and long-term.</p>
<p>Vague rhetoric like “Give us sovereignty” or “Stop the paternalism” just won’t cut it. Unless these mantras are clarified with specific examples, they are simply smokescreens and distractions, which won’t help anyone.</p>
<p>For those who think that such rhetoric does not exist, consider <a href="https://newmatilda.com/2014/08/19/fresh-push-treaty-emerges-shadow-recognise-campaign">the words of elder Rosalie Kunoth-Monks</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>How much longer do we have to pay the price of being blacks of this country? How much longer do we have to keep coming cap in hand?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Such rhetoric sounds impressive and conjures up images of Aboriginal people being treated badly simply because they are Aboriginal. But it does little more than tickle the ears of those who love to blame.</p>
<h2>The biggest problems are the hardest to discuss</h2>
<p>Complaining is so much easier than tackling the real problems we face in many parts of Australia. These include <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/national/growing-them-up-20130527-2n613.html">community dysfunction</a>, <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/inquiry-to-examine-the-harmful-use-of-alcohol-in-indigenous-communities/story-fn9hm1pm-1226827347092">alcohol abuse</a>, <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/rising-aboriginal-jobless-rate-fuels-policy-angst-20120726-22vg9.html">unemployment</a>, ensuring real jobs are available and that the adults are ready to do those jobs, and ensuring the kids are in quality schools.</p>
<p>If the topic of a treaty or <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/elders-tell-tony-abbott-to-take-the-lead-on-constitutional-recognition/story-fn9hm1pm-1227057196200">constitutional change</a> is raised during Abbott’s time in North East Arnhem Land, those raising should also present a plan describing how it will help people.</p>
<p>Given the high rates of <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/indigenous-children-suffer-more-abuse-20140708-3bl9n.html">child abuse</a> and <a href="http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/current%20series/rpp/100-120/rpp105.html">violence</a> in some Aboriginal locations, the Prime Minister should do all he can do to ensure that people can talk about these issues. This can be an extremely challenging task, given the <a href="http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/current%20series/tandi/401-420/tandi405.html">reluctance to discuss such topics</a>. These are problems of today that are not likely to be shown in shallow, emotive “documentaries” like [Utopia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopia_(2013_film). </p>
<h2>‘It is not the critic who counts’</h2>
<p>This week, Aboriginal people living in North East Arnhem Land have both an opportunity and a responsibility to voice their concerns, while the PM has a responsibility to listen and engage.</p>
<p>Ideally, to promote a sense of accountability, there should be a record of discussions, consultations with the people to document issues raised and actions proposed or promised. And importantly, such records should preserve the anonymity of participants wherever requested.</p>
<p>The PM would be wise to include his response to the visit in the report and discuss the ensuing actions. All this should be made available to the public, and especially made available in multiple languages for the people of North East Arnhem Land.</p>
<hr>
<p><strong><em>Further reading in this <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/abbott-in-arnhem-land">Abbott in Arnhem Land</a> series:<br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/birthing-on-country-could-deliver-healthier-babies-and-communities-31180">Birthing on Country could deliver healthier babies and communities</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-my-country-seeing-the-true-beauty-of-life-in-bawaka-31378">Welcome to my Country: seeing the true beauty of life in Bawaka</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-7-up-the-revealing-study-tracking-babies-to-adults-27312">Australia’s 7 Up: the revealing study tracking babies to adults</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/well-connected-indigenous-kids-keen-to-tap-new-ways-to-save-lives-30964">Well-connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australias-rapid-rise-is-shifting-money-and-votes-26524">Indigenous Australia’s rapid rise is shifting money and votes</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-crowded-homes-can-lead-to-empty-schools-in-the-bush-30971">How crowded homes can lead to empty schools in the bush</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/would-you-risk-losing-your-home-for-a-few-weeks-of-work-30911">Would you risk losing your home for a few weeks of work?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/listen-to-your-elders-inviting-aboriginal-parents-back-to-school-31300">Listen to your elders: inviting Aboriginal parents back to school</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-australians-need-a-licence-to-drive-but-also-to-work-31480">Indigenous Australians need a licence to drive, but also to work</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/keeping-indigenous-teens-in-school-by-reinventing-the-lessons-30960">Keeping Indigenous teens in school by reinventing the lessons</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-can-a-dna-test-reveal-if-youre-an-indigenous-australian-31767">Explainer: Can a DNA test reveal if you’re an Indigenous Australian?</a><br>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-indigenous-constitutional-recognition-means-31770">Explainer: what Indigenous constitutional recognition means</a></em></strong></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/31021/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Anthony Dillon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Tony Abbott is spending this week in North East Arnhem Land, part of his long-held hope “to be not just the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Affairs”. We asked our experts: what stories…Anthony Dillon, Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.