Perpetuation of Whiteness in Australian National Identity Northern Territory Intervention-Humanities Assignment

Internal Code: TV653

Perpetuation of  Whiteness in Australian

Case Study: The following practice information sheet is for all social workers, but is particularly designed to assist social workers who have qualified overseas and are commencing practice in Australia, by providing introductory and general information regarding the importance of ensuring social work practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities – Australia’s Indigenous peoples – is culturally responsive and inclusive. The document begins by providing an overview of the historical and continued disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and then moves on to discuss the strengths, capacities and resilience of Australia’s first peoples; and the importance of social workers engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing to ensure practice is culturally responsive and inclusive. Culturally inclusive and responsive practice encompasses knowledges and awareness of other cultures as well as practice skills; but most importantly, it requires social workers to have an understanding of their own values and cultures as derived from family, background and position in society (Bender et al., 2010). Therefore, self-reflection and positioning are vital to culturally responsive and inclusive practice in Australia, and will be discussed in more detail in the body of this resource. If social workers in Australia are to uphold the profession’s core values of respect for all persons, social justice, and professional integrity it is essential that culturally responsive practice becomes integrated into their continuing professional development throughout their careers. Due to the abundance of information and numerous factors and issues relating to the histories, cultures and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples this resource does not attempt to cover all important and relevant themes and topics. However, it does include numerous online links and references where further recommended reading on particular topics may be accessed.   Questions: 

1. Broad multi-partisan political support for reconciliation exists but successive governments’ implementation of CAR’s recommendations has been mixed.
2. All Australian Governments’ total Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expenditure has increased but funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific services has decreased.
3.  Business and community support for reconciliation is increasing.
4. RAPs are driving social change and improving economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
5. Most Australians believe that political, business and community institutions should do more to advance reconciliation.