The effects of colonial policy: genocide, racism and Aboriginal people in Australia

Cunneen, Chris (2007) The effects of colonial policy: genocide, racism and Aboriginal people in Australia. In: Prum, Michel, Deschamps, Bénédicte, and Barbier, Marie-Claude, (eds.) Racial, Ethnic, and Homophobic Violence: killing in the name of otherness. Routledge-Cavendish, London, UK, pp. 17-30.

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Abstract

This chapter explores the issue of colonial policy, racism and the contemporary demand for reparations and compensation by indigenous people in Australia. It begins with an analysis of the key recommendations and findings of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families (commonly referred to as the Stolen Generations Inquiry). It then discusses the limitations of attempts to seek compensation through the courts and considers the arguments for a Reparations Tribunal. Finally, the chapter discusses significant areas of human rights abuses of Aboriginal people in Australia that should be considered within the context of reparations for historical injustices.

An underlying thread to these human rights abuses was colonial assumptions about the supposed racial inferiority of Aboriginal people. Thus this chapter argues that racism was a key component underpinning colonial policies. Constructing indigenous people as Other was critical to the entrenched discrimination found in laws, policies and practices which denied indigenous participation in the social, economic and political life of the nation.

Item ID: 15467
Item Type: Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN: 978-1-904385-57-8
Date Deposited: 07 Feb 2012 04:57
FoR Codes: 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1608 Sociology > 160803 Race and Ethnic Relations @ 60%
18 LAW AND LEGAL STUDIES > 1801 Law > 180101 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law @ 40%
SEO Codes: 94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9404 Justice and the Law > 940401 Civil Justice @ 60%
94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940102 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development and Welfare @ 40%
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