UNCC 100: Our World Community and Vulnerability

Jessica McQueen
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Assessment Task 2 Major Project

Reconciliation involves all Australians working together to overcome
inequality and to build good relations between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians. Australians are working together to overcome
injustices, which stem back to the First Fleets arrival in 1788 and the
conflicts that followed. The Europeans forced Indigenous Australians
into missions and reserves where they were exposed to harsh living
and working conditions leaving them marginalized. An incredibly large
number of Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their
families on the basis of being Aboriginal. Many Indigenous Australians
stood up for their rights with various protests, which resulted in
Indigenous people being counted in the census after the 1967
referendum. Kevin Rudds 2008 apology to the Stolen Generations was
a recent step towards Reconciliation (Australian Catholic University,
2013).
Reconciliation is a justice issue because of the inequality between
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous people were
treated inferiorly in many aspects of life. They had limited access to
education, leading to poor employment opportunities, which meant
they worked in poor conditions and created a perpetual cycle of
poverty. Children were forcibly removed from their families because
they were Indigenous and they lost all connections with their culture,
which had an inter-generational impact. Indigenous Australians were
not counted in the census or given the same citizenship like nonIndigenous Australians for many years. This is why Reconciliation is an
issue of justice. Reconciliation is also related to the common good
because the common good involves creating a society, which benefits
all, and not just the majority. However, for some time now, the society
has not always been beneficial for Indigenous Australians but now
things are changing so they do benefit them, which will lead to the
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common good being achieved (Australian Catholic University, 2013).

The Australian Government wants and has a significant role in the
achievement of Reconciliation because they are responsible for
creating laws and policies. The Governments treatment of Indigenous
Australians has not always been appropriate with the removal of a
large number of children from their families, which had devastating
effects on their lives and of future generations. After much protest and
lobbying from people like Charles Perkins the Australian Government
began the process of Reconciliation. A major step was the success of
the 1967 Referendum, which saw over 90% of people voting for
Aboriginals to be counted in the census and given equal citizenship.
The Government could then implement laws and policies to assist
Indigenous Australians and achieve social justice (National Archives of
Australia, 2013). Paul Keating in 1992 asked non-Indigenous
Australians how they would feel if what was happening to Indigenous
Australians happened to them (ANTAR, 2012). The Government since
have established programs such as National Reconciliation Week which
aim to create awareness and support Indigenous people which
demonstrates advocacy for the most vulnerable (Reconciliation
Australia, 2013). A recent step forward was Kevin Rudds 2008 apology
to the Stolen Generations. He formally apologised on behalf of previous
Governments wrongdoings including the removal of children and the
treatment of Indigenous Australians and he also spoke about closing
the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
(Parliament of Australia, 2008). Originally the Australian Governments
actions were devastating but are now active in achieving justice and
equality, which will benefit all Australians and therefore will achieve
the common good.
Indigenous Australians are seeking Reconciliation because it will

UNCC 100: Our World Community and Vulnerability

Jessica McQueen
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greatly benefit them. They view Reconciliation as an issue of human

rights because for years they were treated inferiorly, therefore
Reconciliation can be viewed as advocacy for the most vulnerable
(Australian Catholic University, 2013). As a result of this poor
treatment Indigenous Australians have suffered many problems.
Evidence shows Indigenous people have poorer health than nonIndigenous Australians, with heart related conditions 1.3 times more
common among Indigenous people, but there have been significant
improvements (Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 2013). Despite
these hardships Indigenous people are willing to work with nonIndigenous Australians to create a just and equal future, achieving
social justice. Bob Randall, a Yankunytjatjara elder and traditional
owner of Uluru spends time helping non-Indigenous Australians
understand Aboriginal traditions (SBS On Demand, 2012). Many
Indigenous people believe Kevin Rudds 2008 apology was a step
forward towards Reconciliation however they are aware more must be
done (Australian Catholic University, 2013). By Indigenous Australians
working towards Reconciliation they help to achieve the common good
because they are working with non-Indigenous Australians to create a
society where everyone benefits. They are also working to achieve
social justice because they along side all Australians are working to
achieve equality and justice in society. Indigenous Australians are
major stakeholder in Reconciliation who want to see Reconciliation
being achieved.
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) is another stakeholder in
Reconciliation and is a group of business leaders who aim to identify,
promote and share the experiences of member companies in
supporting economic development among Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Australians (Business Council of Australia, 2013a). It
recognizes Indigenous contribution to businesses and the Australian

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economy over the years and acknowledges that Indigenous people are
the traditional owners. The BCA strongly supports closing the gap
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and believes that
true reconciliation involves acknowledging our nations history and
the special place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the
first Australians, alongside practical actions to improve peoples living
standards (Business Council of Australia, 2013b). Companies can
demonstrate how they are going to contribute to Reconciliation by
having a Reconciliation Action Plans (Kuek, 2012). Kuek (2012) argues
a reconciled society is a long-term goal that can only be achieved if
there is sustained commitment form all levels of the Australian
community (p. 22). The BCA demonstrates advocacy for the most
vulnerable by commitment to ensuring Indigenous needs are meet in
employment, providing economic stability, and through their
implementation of Reconciliation Action Plans. Common good can be
achieved because they ensure that businesses are contributing to
Reconciliation and therefore everyone can contribute to and benefit
from economic development. By ensuring that everyone can contribute
to and benefit from economic development the BCA is achieving social
justice because this results in equality and justice within the society.
The BCA has a significant role in Reconciliation because improving
Indigenous employment and economic development will result in
economic equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous which is a
main aim of Reconciliation.
The common good is about creating a society, where everyone benefits
and not just the majority of people. Reconciliation is therefore directly
linked to the common good because the process of Reconciliation aims
to create a society where there equality is achieved in every aspect of
life between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, unfortunately
this has not always been the case. Achieving Reconciliation can result

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in many benefits, which is the reason why all Australians need to work
together in order to achieve Reconciliation and not just leave it up to a
few people to do so. In order for Reconciliation to be achieved it is not
just the responsibility of the Government, who need to make changes
to policies and laws, which will benefit Indigenous Australians along
with non-Indigenous Australians. To an extent it is also the
responsibility of individuals who have a role in promoting awareness
and giving support in different ways. It is the obligation of all
individuals to contribute to the common good by making contributions
to improving the lives of others (Massaro, 2000). The achievement of
Reconciliation will benefit everyone because it will lead to a future
which provides justice and equality for all Australians, both Indigenous
and non-Indigenous. By all Australians working together to achieve
Reconciliation and make changes to society, which will be beneficial to
everyone, the common good can be achieved.
The principles of human flourishing have a significant role in
addressing Reconciliation and creating a just and equal future. A
significant principle is the Dignity of the Human Person which
highlights that people are entitled to dignity and respect and that all
humans should be treated equally (Massaro, 2000). For many years
Indigenous Australians were not treated with dignity or respect they
entitled to like the non-Indigenous Australians were. Reconciliation
highlights the significant need to restore this dignity to Indigenous
people by treating them as equal humans. A significant aspect of this
principle is the sacredness of life, which was not always considered in
the past treatment of Indigenous Australians. Preferential Option for
the Poor needs to be considered when discussing Reconciliation
because this principle involves creating a just world that provides for
and cares for everyone. This is important in Reconciliation because the
effects of being forcibly removed from your family (Stolen Generations)

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were not just felt in that generation but in subsequent generations,

which are present in society today. This means that the community
needs to work with these people to ensure that they are appropriately
supported. This principle is more than just charity but is about reading
society and seeing what these people actually need in order to improve
their lives. Subsidiarity is another important principle in Reconciliation
and means that those people closest to the community should be
making the decision for the community. Massaro (2000) states we
should rely as much as possible on those solutions that are closest to
the people affected (p. 128). This allows the community to feel as
though their thoughts and opinions are being listened to and gives
Indigenous Australians a say in programs and strategies, which are
aiming to improve their lives and flourish. By involving Indigenous
Australians in programs this means programs are more targeted to
what they need and will hopefully have a better rate of success.
Participation allows all individuals and communities whether they are
Indigenous or non-Indigenous to be able to participate fully in society.
This is present in Reconciliation because it is trying to allow all
Australians to participate fully in a just and equal society. Global
Solidarity involves everyone across the globe working together to
create a just world because humans are social beings and cannot exist
as individuals. This is related to Reconciliation because Australia is part
of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues which is
an advisory body that has a mandate to discuss Indigenous issues
related to economic development, social development, culture,
environment, education, health and human rights. This will assist the
achievement of Reconciliation as it provides expert advice and
recommendation on Indigenous issues and programs, raises and
promotes awareness and provides information on Indigenous issues
(United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 2013).

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Universal Purpose of Goods means that all Australians have access to

the same resources as they are intended for everyones use. This is
related to Reconciliation because one of the main aims of
Reconciliation is attempting to ensure that everyone in Australia has
equal access to resources and programs. This means both Indigenous
and non-Indigenous Australians having equal access to education,
employment and health.
Stewardship of Creation is part of Reconciliation because it involves
respectfully honoring our past generations and their beliefs. Indigenous
people have a strong connection to the Earth because they believe
that they came from the Earth and continue to have a deep connection
to the land, which non-Indigenous Australians need to respect and
work with them in ensuring that the Earths resources are available for
the use of future generations. Promotion of Peace involves using nonviolent methods to resolve conflict and bring forgiveness. This is an
important aspect of Reconciliation because it involves Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians working together in peaceful ways in order
to reconcile the past and move forward together to a just and equitable
future. These principles will allow Australians to flourish which can lead
to the common good being achieved as well as Reconciliation.
Following the Australians Government commitment to the process of
Reconciliation this will have a significant impact on all of the
stakeholders in the issue. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Australians have vital roles in the process of achieving Reconciliation.
Non-indigenous Australians, especially the Australian Government
need to work hard rectify the mistakes which resulted in the poor
treatment of Indigenous Australians. Non-indigenous Australians have
the capabilities and the resources to make amends by helping
Indigenous people to improve their lives and by promoting awareness

UNCC 100: Our World Community and Vulnerability

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of Reconciliation that will lead to a future where everyone is treated

equally and respectfully. Indigenous Australians need to express what
they need in order to improve their lives after such devastating
treatment. They need to communicate their needs and how they can
be best support because often the way non-Indigenous Australia
support them is actually disrespectful and is causing more damage.
They need to use their knowledge and capabilities and work with nonIndigenous Australians to move forward and create a just and equitable
future. Himes (2011) explains that each individual needs to contribute
to the common good so that life can flourish and than it cannot exclude
a group of people. This means that everyone needs to work together
and end the segregation of Indigenous Australians. The achievement of
Reconciliation will depend on Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Australians working together to make beneficial changes, which will
lead to the achievement of common good, which will help to create a
society, and future that benefits all and respects everyone and their
history and culture.

Word Count: 2196 words

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References:
ANTAR, (2012). Redfern Speech (Year for the Worlds Indigenous
People). Retrieved from
http://antar.org.au/sites/default/files/paul_keating_speech_transcript.
pdf
Australian Catholic University. (2013). Reconciliation for a Common
Good?. Retrieved from https://leocontent.acu.edu.au/file/4c65551d2d5a-4dce-a60ace4376b01000/11/docs/Hot_Topic_Reconciliation_20130704.pdf
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. (2013). Summary of Australian
Indigenous Health Retrieved from
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/health-facts/summary
Business Council of Australia. (2013). Indigenous Engagement.
Retrieved from http://www.bca.com.au/Content/101704.aspx
Business Council of Australia. (2013). Statement of Support for Act of
Recognition. http://www.bca.com.au/Content/102093.aspx
Himes, K, R. (2001). Responses to 101 questions on Catholic Social
Teaching. New Jersey, NJ: Paulist Press
Kuek, V. (2012). Action of Reconciliation. Law Society Journal, 50(7), 2022. Retrieved from
http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy2.acu.edu.au/fullText;dn=20123
841;res=AGISPT
Massaro, T. (2000). Living Justice. Catholic Social Teaching in Action.
Maryland, MD: Sheed & Ward
National Archives of Australia. The 1967 referendum Fact sheet 150.
Retrieved from http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/factsheets/fs150.aspx
Parliament of Australia. (2008). Apology to Australias Indigenous
Peoples. Retrieved from
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UNCC 100: Our World Community and Vulnerability

Jessica McQueen
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http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=I
d%3A%22chamber%2Fhansardr%2F2008-02-13%2F0003%22
Reconciliation Australia. (2013, April 22). National Reconciliation Week
2013 [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=IDsM8tMNFRs&feature=youtu.be

SBS on Demand. (2012, June 28). Reconciliation: Bob Randalls

message [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/11834947666/Reconciliation
-Bob-Randalls-message
Torres Strait Island Community. (2012). Self-determination First
Australians. Retrieved from http://maboday.com.au/index.php?
option=com_videoflow&task=play&id=2
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. (2013). About
Us/Members. Retrieved from
http://undesadspd.org/IndigenousPeoples/AboutUsMembers.aspx

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