Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah Williams IKC101 Assessment 3

IKC101 Assessment 3

Name: Alanah Williams

Student Number: 11577474

Subject Code & Title: IKC101 - Indigenous Australian Cultures, Histories and
Contemporary Realities

Assignment Title: Contemporary Realities and Rights

Value: 30%

Submission Date: 17 October 2016

Length required: 1100 words Actual length: 1150

Statement of Authenticity: I declare that the work within this assignment is my

own, that it has not been submitted previously and that I acknowledge the
ideas of other authors throughout.

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Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah Williams IKC101 Assessment 3

Employment

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), (2014), Indigenous Australians were
over 10 times more likely to live in rural and remote areas throughout Australia, which has
an effect on the rates of employment. A more diverse choice of employment opportunities
are more likely available in major cities, leading to Indigenous Australians being three times
as likely to be unemployed (ABS, 2014). Education also has an effect on employment status.
Those who completed year 12 were more likely to follow into the workforce (85%), but
according to the ABS, (2014), only 35.9% of Indigenous Australians graduated high school
compared to 67.3% of non-Indigenous Australians.

There is very strong evidence that education has a huge impact on employment rates, with
more children who graduate from year 12, being employed more than those who don’t
(ABS, 2014). The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), (2012), states that ill
health & disability, location, criminal history, discrimination and job retention are also
factors as to why Indigenous Australians have lower rates of employment. Ill-health and
disability comes in higher rates for Indigenous Australians, leading to higher rates in
unemployment. Depending on where Indigenous Australians live, could affect their
employment status, and with statistics showing that they are 12 times more likely to live in
rural and remote areas where little work is available – location is another important factor
to look at (ABS, 2014). Indigenous Australian’s also suffer from discrimination – which can
start as early as school – in the workplace, particularly on racial harassment, which can lead
to poor work performance (Norris, 1998). Having a criminal history or a history of alcohol
and substance abuse doesn’t particularly help with getting a job, but with the right support
and programs to move on from these barriers, along with working employers who are
looking to support Indigenous Australians who are bettering themselves, employment could
increase tremendously.

“Everyone has the right to education.” (The United Nations, 1948b). Education is one of the
most important aspects of our lives, and helps in so many ways in achieving employment,
whether it be as soon as you graduate, or go on to further study (Norris, 1998). Indigenous
Australians have the right to equal opportunities of finishing school as non-Indigenous, so

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Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah Williams IKC101 Assessment 3

that it can lead to equal access to employment (ABS, 2014). They also “…have the right to
the full employment…” (The United Nations, 2007a). Whether Indigenous Australian’s need
more education, or training, they still deserve the same opportunities for employment.

Currently, there are many government policies with the objective of increasing employment
rates. They target the main factors as to why Indigenous Australian’s are less likely to be
employed (Commonwealth of Australia, 2007) Education is one of the largest factors
targeted, with initiatives being put in place to enhance training and experience to be
employment ready. Policies and programs have also been put in place for those who have
suffered from alcohol and drug abuse, to overcome their past and help move on (AIHW,
2012). To reduce discrimination towards Indigenous Australians, cross cultural training
within the work place has been initiated, teaching the effects that discrimination can have
on someone and their performance (AIHW, 2012). The AIHW (2015), states that support is a
huge role in improving employment rates for Indigenous Australians. Whether it come from
family and friends, the workplace, and medical professionals that Indigenous Australians
may visit.

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Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah Williams IKC101 Assessment 3

Health

Indigenous Australians suffer the worst when it comes to all aspects of health (Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 2015). According to Taylor & Guerin (2010), there
are many models of health, but the two major models are biomedical and social. The
biomedical aspect is the physicality of the body – how it changes through illness and
medicine. The social side is looking more closely at the mentality, along with why inequality
exists between groups of culture and economic status (Taylor & Guerin, 2010). Hampton et
al (2013), states that cultural and spiritual factors affect Indigenous Australian’s health.
Culture and spirits are a part of the history of Indigenous Australians, and it’s important to
know that it still has an effect on them today – dealing with the loss of land that ancestors
before them had created (Eckersley, 2001).

According to the AIHW (2015), the average life expectancy from 2010-2012 for Indigenous
Australians was 71.4 years, and for non-Indigenous Australians, it was 81.4 – that’s a gap of
10 years. Cardiovascular disease made up 25% of deaths for Indigenous Australians, making
it the biggest killer. Indigenous Australian’s are more prone to illnesses, disease and
increased mortality rates due to their behaviours (more likely to consume alcohol, eat
unhealthily) and socio-economic status (location which is more likely to be rural and
remote, employment and income) (Altman, 2003).

Pre colonisation, Indigenous Australians ate from a nutritious diet of protein, vegetable
foods and vitamins and minerals from their plant and animal based eating habits. This hunt-
gather lifestyle also provided them with plenty of exercise (Franklin & White, 1991). The
complete turn-around on Indigenous Australian’s health began with the British colonisation.
The British brought with them not only people, alcohol, tobacco, new foods such as sugar
and disease (Hampton et al, 2013). Along with all the new introductions, Indigenous
Australian’s were taken away from their land – not being able to farm or look after their
country. This took a toll on their mental and spiritual health (Franklin & White, 1991).
Hampton et al (2013), also states that the experiences of the Stolen Generation, conflict and
dispossession of land and rights are factors to blame for the increase of mental health.

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Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah Williams IKC101 Assessment 3

“Indigenous individuals have the rights to life, physical and mental integrity, liberty and
security of person”, (United Nations, 2007b). This right allows Indigenous Australian’s to not
feel uncomfortable about living in their own country. To be able to live a healthy and strong
life with confidence. Being able exist within society without restrictions or authority.
Indigenous Australians deserve the right to live life with equal access to health services –
these health services are a way towards their cultural security (Hampton et al, 2013).
Indigenous Australians also have the “…right to security in the event of unemployment,
sickness, disability…” (United Nations, 1948a). Because Indigenous Australians are known to
be at higher risk of most illnesses, it’s important to allow security for something they can’t
help.

Due to the noticeable gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, the Council
of Australian Governments initiated a National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap
(Hampton et al, 2013). Its main aim is to educate general practitioners and health services
to recognise cultural awareness and sensitivity to extend mutual trust in getting the help
Indigenous Australians need. Most Indigenous Australian’s felt reluctant to use medical
services, as they didn’t feel a sense of cultural security. That was until 1971, with the
establishment of separate medical services for Indigenous Australians, and since then, they
have grown and expanded, all throughout Australia (Hampton et al, 2013).

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Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah Williams IKC101 Assessment 3

References
Altman, J. (2003). The economic and social context of indigenous health. In N. Thomson
(Ed.), The health of Indigenous Australians (pp. 25-43). Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2014). Exploring the gap in labour market outcomes for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (No. 4102.0). Canberra: Author.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2012). Increasing Indigenous employment rates.
In Closing the gap. Retrieved from:
http://www.aihw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/ClosingTheGap/Content/Publications/2012/ctg-
ip03.pdf

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2015). The health and welfare of Australia’s
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In an overview. Retrieved from:
http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129551281

Commonwealth of Australia. (2007). Indigenous Australians at work: Successful Initiatives in

Indigenous Employment. In House of Representatives – Standing Committee on Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (pp. 41-46).

Eckersley, R. (2001). Culture, health and well-being. In R. Eckersley, J. Dixon and B. Douglas
(Eds.), The social origins of health and well-being (pp. 51-70). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge
University Press.

Franklin, M. A. & White, I. (1991). The history and politics of Aboriginal health. In J. Reid & P.
Trompf (Eds.), The health of Aboriginal Australia (pp. 1-36). Sydney, NSW: Harcourt Brace.

Hampton, R., Toombs, M., & Crawford, M. (2013). Indigenous access to health and health
services. Chapter 5 (pp. 91-113). Oxford University Press

Norris, R. (1998). Human Rights and Wrongs: Indigenous Employment Past, Present and
Future. (pp, 28-33).

Taylor, K. & Guerin, P. (2010). Models of health. In Health care and Indigenous Australians:
cultural safety in practice (pp. 88-97). South Yarra, VIC: Palgrave Macmillan.

The United Nations. (2007a). United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples. (Article 1) Retrieved from:
https://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/un-declaration-rights-indigenous-peoples-1

The United Nations. (2007b). United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples. (Article 7, (1)). Retrieved from:
https://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/un-declaration-rights-indigenous-peoples-1

The United Nations. (1948a). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (Article 25, (1)).
Retrieved from:

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Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah Williams IKC101 Assessment 3

http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html

The United Nations. (1948b). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (Article 26, (1)).
Retrieved from:
http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html

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 Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah WilliamsIKC101 Assessment 3

IKC101 ASSESSMENT 3 MARKING CRITERIA

Assessable HD D C P F
Component
25.5-30 22.5-25 19.5-22 15-19 0-14.5

Outlines Examines the contemporary Explains 2 contemporary Provides a detailed Outlines 2 relevant Does not identify or outline
contemporary issues and their impacts on circumstances and their description of 2 contemporary circumstances the contemporary
issues and their Indigenous Australians and impacts on Indigenous contemporary and how each one impacts on circumstance and their
impacts on communities. Articulates the Australians and circumstances and Indigenous Australians and impacts on Indigenous
Indigenous current policy and legislation communities. Places each their impacts on communities. Includes Australians and communities.
Australians and context and explains how these contemporary circumstance Indigenous Australians appropriate statistics. Information is inaccurate or
communities. impact on the contemporary in the context of Indigenous and communities. Presents accurate and unsupported.
circumstance. lives today. Interprets statistical supported information.
information. Identifies
the most important
issues in each
contemporary
circumstance.

Explains how Examines how contemporary Provides an explanation of Provides a description Outlines how each Does not identify or explain
contemporary circumstances have been how each contemporary of how each contemporary circumstance how contemporary
Indigenous created by history and policy. circumstance has been contemporary has been created by history Indigenous circumstances
circumstances Provides the context for post created that includes the circumstance has been and policy. Identifies relevant have been created by history
have been created policy and legislation, such as evolution of policy and created by history and historical and policy and policy. Information is
by history and race, Social Darwinism. legislation through time. policy. Articulates how information for each case inaccurate or unsupported
policy. The explanation shows how specific policy and study. Presents accurate and
changes in policy and legislation created each supported information.
legislation have created contemporary
issues in contemporary circumstance.
Indigenous circumstances.

Identifies The examination of how each References past policy and Provides a detailed Identifies 2 Rights, one of Does not identify 2 Rights,
appropriate identified Right can improve the legislation when description of how which is an Indigenous Right, one of which is an Indigenous
Human and contemporary circumstance explaining how each Right each Right relates to for each case study. The Right, for each case study.

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 Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah WilliamsIKC101 Assessment 3

Indigenous rights refers to current policy and relates to the contemporary the contemporary identified Rights are relevant The identified Rights are not
and describes how legislation contexts. circumstance. circumstance and how to the contemporary appropriate to the
they relate to and it can improve circumstance. Outlines how contemporary circumstance.
can improve contemporary each Right relates to the Does not outline how each
contemporary Indigenous Australian contemporary circumstance Right relates to and can
Indigenous circumstances. Makes and how it can improve improve contemporary
Australian logical connections in contemporary Indigenous Indigenous Australian
circumstances. this description. Australian circumstances. circumstances. Information
Presents accurate and is inaccurate or unsupported.
supported information.

Selects and uses All language and terminology Language and terminology Any racial or historical Common terminology issues Common terminology issues
appropriate uses are appropriate and choices allow for diversity terms used are are avoided. Appropriate are evident, such as non-
terminology and informed. and do not ‘generalise’ accompanied by an non-racial terms are used to capitalisation, use of
uses professional Indigenous people or explanation. describe groups of people. inappropriate words without
and respectful cultures. context or explanation (eg
language. half-caste, native, tribe),
interchangeable use of
Indigenous and Aboriginal,
use of words such as ‘they’,
‘we’, ‘our’, ‘their’.

Fulfils the Writing shows control and
technical aspects skilful construction of
of the task. expression to convey specific
understandings. Seamlessly
integrates citations and
referencing into the writing.
Written expression and There are no errors Content is accurate and Does not support content;
referencing show clear relating to writing and supported; there are fewer there are more than three
organisation. Uses a references. Uses formal than 3 instances of instances of unsupported
variety of techniques to written expression unsupported assertions assertions and/or
incorporate source material consistently without and/or inaccuracies. At least inaccuracies. Cites and
and citations. errors. There are no 6 texts, 4 of which are self- references fewer than 6 texts.
imprecise or located, are cited and Does not include at least 3
unsupported referenced. Show judgment in self-located references, or
statements or the choice of reliable, uses inappropriate texts.
generalisations. Uses relevant, academic sources of Uses modules as references.
the APA reference information. Uses the APA Does not use APA
system without error. referencing system; there referencing. Referencing style

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Student Number: 11577474 Name: Alanah WilliamsIKC101 Assessment 3

may be some errors however is inconsistent showing a lack

there is consistency in of understanding of its
approach. All task purpose. There is evidence of
requirements have been met unacknowledged sources or
and submitted. Within plagiarism. Does not meet or
required word count. is missing one or more task
requirement. not within
required word count.

Achievements:

Things to improve:

Overall:

Marker: Date: Mark: /30

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