Equity for First Nations People: Addressing Misconceptions About Discrimination

Recently, I had the privilege of being invited to speak at the First Nations Senior Consultative Circle in Wodonga. This experience provided a unique opportunity to engage directly with respected Aboriginal Elders who are deeply committed to advocating for equity for First Nations people within their north-east Victorian communities. Through this opportunity, I was inspired to write this article, recognising the widespread misconceptions about what equity truly means and why it is essential for achieving fairness and justice for First Nations people in Australia.

In recent years, Australia has taken steps toward recognising and addressing the disparities faced by First Nations people. Part of this journey involves implementing policies and programs that provide equity to these communities, acknowledging the historical and systemic inequalities that continue to impact their lives. However, a common misconception is that these efforts represent a form of discrimination against other priority populations. This article will explore why providing equity for First Nations peoples is not discriminatory, how these measures benefit society as a whole, and provide actual examples of how equity is being created.

Understanding Equity versus Equality

To understand why equity for First Nations people is not discriminatory, it is essential to differentiate between equity and equality. Equality means treating everyone the same, regardless of their needs or circumstances. Equity, on the other hand, involves recognising and addressing differences to provide fair opportunities for all. Equity acknowledges that people start from different places and that different needs and circumstances require different approaches to ensure everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

For First Nations people, historical factors such as colonisation, dispossession, and systemic discrimination have led to significant social and economic disadvantages. These factors have created barriers to accessing education, healthcare, employment, and justice. Providing equity means addressing these barriers by implementing tailored policies and practices that acknowledge these historical contexts and their ongoing impacts.

Addressing Historical Injustices

Providing equity for First Nations people is about redressing historical injustices and creating a fairer society. For more than 200 years, Indigenous communities have endured policies of dispossession, forced assimilation, and cultural suppression. The legacies of these policies are evident in the socioeconomic indicators for First Nations people today, who often experience poorer health outcomes, lower levels of education and employment, and higher rates of incarceration.

Measures aimed at providing equity, such as targeted educational programs, health initiatives, and employment opportunities, are not about giving preferential treatment. Rather, they are about levelling the playing field by addressing the unique challenges that Indigenous people face due to a history of systemic disadvantage. This approach is not discriminatory against other groups; it is a necessary response to a specific set of circumstances.

Results from Recent Research: Community Attitudes and Indigenous Health Disparities

A recent research paper published in The Lancet explored community attitudes and First Nations health disparities, with evidence gathered from Australia's Voice referendum. This research is particularly interesting when overlaid with the outcomes of the Voice referendum in our local areas, such as Hume in Victoria and Murrumbidgee in New South Wales. The paper highlights significant disparities in health outcomes for First Nations people in areas where the vote against the Voice was highest, providing a stark illustration of the ongoing challenges faced by these communities.

Key health outcomes for First Nations people in areas with the highest 'No' votes include:

- Life Expectancy: First Nations people in these regions often have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to the national average, with disparities of up to 10 years.

- Chronic Diseases: High rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, are prevalent among First Nations populations in these regions, contributing to poorer health outcomes.

- Mental Health: Mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, are more common, with limited access to culturally appropriate mental health services.

- Infant Mortality: Higher infant mortality rates are observed, often due to inadequate maternal and child health services and socio-economic factors.

- Substance Abuse: Increased rates of substance abuse, including alcohol and drug dependency, are reported, often linked to historical and ongoing socio-economic disadvantages.

- Access to Health Services: Limited access to quality healthcare services, including specialist care and preventative health programs, affects health outcomes.

- Social Determinants: Socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education further exacerbate health disparities, leading to poorer overall health for First Nations communities in these regions.

For example, in Hume, Victoria, where the 'No' vote was 61%, and in Murrumbidgee, NSW, where it was 63%, these health disparities are particularly pronounced. The data indicates a strong correlation between regions with higher 'No' votes and areas where First Nations people experience significant health disadvantages. This correlation underscores the need for targeted equity initiatives that address the specific health needs of First Nations communities in these regions.

The results of this research and the local referendum outcomes suggest that greater efforts are needed to raise awareness and understanding about the importance of equity measures for First Nations people. It also highlights the need for continued advocacy and education to challenge misconceptions and build support for policies that promote health equity.

You can read more about this research in The Lancet here.

Examples of Equity Initiatives for First Nations People?

1. The Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) ?

The IPP was introduced by the Australian Government in 2015 to drive demand for goods and services from Indigenous businesses. By setting mandatory procurement targets for government contracts, the IPP helps create economic opportunities and foster sustainable growth within Indigenous communities. This policy does not take opportunities away from non-Indigenous businesses but creates a more inclusive economy where Indigenous businesses can compete on a level playing field.

2. The Closing the Gap Initiative ?

Launched in 2008, the Closing the Gap strategy aims to reduce Indigenous disadvantage across a range of areas, including health, education, and employment. This initiative includes specific targets such as increasing life expectancy, reducing infant mortality rates, and improving literacy and numeracy standards for Indigenous children. By focusing on the unique needs of First Nations people, this initiative seeks to close the significant gaps in outcomes compared to non-Indigenous Australians. These targeted efforts do not discriminate against other populations but address a clear and pressing disparity.

3. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) ?

ACCHOs are essential to delivering culturally appropriate healthcare to First Nations communities. These services are run by Indigenous people for Indigenous people, ensuring that healthcare delivery is aligned with cultural practices and community needs. This approach has proven effective in improving health outcomes and engagement with healthcare services. ACCHOs provide a model of care that is not about excluding non-Indigenous people but rather about creating tailored healthcare solutions that meet the specific needs of Indigenous communities.

4. Indigenous Scholarships and Education Programs ?

Numerous scholarships and educational programs are specifically designed to support First Nations students. For example, the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) provides scholarships for Indigenous students to attend leading Australian schools and universities. These programs help bridge the educational gap and foster future leaders within Indigenous communities. They are not about excluding non-Indigenous students from opportunities but rather ensuring that Indigenous students, who have historically faced barriers to education, can access and succeed in education.

5. Justice Reinvestment Programs ?

Justice reinvestment programs aim to reduce Indigenous incarceration rates by investing in community-based initiatives that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited employment opportunities. The Maranguka Justice Reinvestment Project in Bourke, New South Wales, is a leading example. It focuses on community-led solutions to improve safety, education, and employment outcomes for Indigenous people, reducing the reliance on incarceration. This approach benefits the broader community by creating safer and more supportive environments and reducing the costs associated with the criminal justice system.

Addressing Concerns About Discrimination Against Other Priority Populations

While these equity initiatives for First Nations people aim to address long-standing inequities, there are concerns that such efforts could be perceived as discriminatory against other priority populations, such as:

1. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities ?

Some individuals from CALD backgrounds may feel that targeted programs for First Nations people overlook their unique challenges, such as language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to services. However, equity measures for First Nations people do not preclude the development of targeted initiatives for CALD communities. Instead, these measures highlight the need for a tailored approach to support all groups who face specific disadvantages.

2. People with Disabilities ?

There may be a concern that resources directed towards First Nations equity might detract from those needed for people with disabilities. However, equity for First Nations people is not about reallocating resources away from other groups. It is about addressing specific historical and systemic injustices. The same rationale applies to equity initiatives for people with disabilities, recognising their unique challenges and providing the necessary support to ensure equal opportunities.

3. LGBTIQA+ Communities ?

LGBTIQA+ communities also face unique challenges, including discrimination, mental health issues, and barriers to healthcare. Some may perceive equity initiatives for First Nations people as taking attention away from their needs. However, the goal of equity is to address all forms of disadvantage and discrimination. Recognising the specific needs of First Nations people does not negate the importance of addressing the needs of LGBTIQA+ individuals.

4. Rural and Remote Populations ?

People living in rural and remote areas, including non-Indigenous Australians, may feel left behind due to their geographic isolation and limited access to services. While equity initiatives for First Nations people often focus on remote communities, these efforts also highlight the broader need for better service provision in rural and remote areas for all residents.

5. Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Individuals ?

Socio-economically disadvantaged individuals, regardless of cultural or ethnic background, may feel that targeted support for First Nations people does not consider their needs. However, the aim of equity measures is not to exclude anyone but to recognise that some groups face additional, specific barriers that require targeted approaches. The broader goal is to create a society where all disadvantaged groups receive the support they need.

Benefits for Broader Society

Providing equity for First Nations people is not just a moral imperative; it also brings benefits to broader society. When we invest in the health, education, and economic participation of First Nations people, we are investing in a more prosperous, inclusive, and harmonious society.

Consider health outcomes as an example. Addressing the social determinants of health for First Nations people - such as housing, education, and access to culturally appropriate healthcare - can lead to improved health outcomes. This, in turn, reduces the strain on the healthcare system, benefiting everyone. Additionally, fostering a more inclusive economy where First Nations people have equal opportunities to participate and contribute can lead to stronger economic growth and social cohesion.

Not a Zero-Sum Game

One of the key misconceptions fueling the idea that equity measures for First Nations people are discriminatory is the belief that opportunities and resources are finite - a zero-sum game. This perspective suggests that if one group receives more support, another must receive less. However, this is not the case. The goal of equity is not to take away from others but to bring those who have been disadvantaged to a level playing field.

It is important to recognise that Australia is a multicultural society, and many groups face unique challenges. Equity for First Nations people does not preclude addressing the needs of other priority populations, such as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, or LGBTIQA+ communities. The aim is to ensure that all Australians, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive.

Moving Forward Together

The path to a fair and inclusive Australia involves recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by different communities. Providing equity for First Nations people is a crucial part of this journey. It is not about discriminating against others but about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. This approach benefits all Australians by fostering a more just, cohesive, and prosperous nation.

As we move forward, it is essential to continue educating ourselves and others about the difference between equity and discrimination. By doing so, we can better understand the importance of targeted measures for First Nations people and other priority populations and work together towards a fairer and more inclusive future for all.