Tied to the Golden Goose

David Gardner proposes how we should overcome Aboriginal disadvantage after the Voice referendum fails.

Tied to the Golden Goose
Photo by Alexander Grey / Unsplash

Indigenous Australia, consisting of various distinct groups with unique cultures, customs, languages and laws, is one of the world's oldest surviving cultures.

These dynamic and contemporary cultures were estimated to have a population of around 750,000 in the early 1800s. Over 500 clans or mobs with more than 260 languages and approximately 800 dialects existed during this time.

According to the June 2021 census, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders now account for 3.8% (984,000) of Australia's population; few are considered full-blooded Aborigines, living primarily in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland. 

Despite significant efforts to integrate many Aborigines into mainstream Australian society over recent years, it is apparent that there remains an unwillingness by some individuals to participate in these programs.

The connection with land is incredibly strong among most Aborigines as it contributes significantly to their physical and mental well-being; many social issues identified today can be traced back to a broken connection with lands.

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