Australia's indigenous political hopes
Thanks for all your comments on what impact President Obama will likely have on Australia. But I fear that I may have shied away from asking the more interesting and provocative question: will Australia ever have a black prime minister, or even a black president?
If the history of indigenous representation in Australia offers any guide, it is a long way off - a long, long way off. Here's a startling fact to back that statement up. No seat in the Australian House of Representatives has ever been occupied by an indigenous politician. None.
The Senate has seen just two. The first was Neville Bonnor, who was appointed by the Queensland parliament in 1971 to serve in the upper house, and stood successfully as a candidate the following year. The other was Aden Ridgeway, an Australian Democrat (remember them?), who served as a senator for New South Wales from 1999-2005.
The state and territory parliaments have a marginally better record, but it is still terrible. It was not until 2003, for instance, that New South Wales saw an indigenous state member: Linda Burney.
This site offers a more complete list.
In 2006, Warren Mundine became the president of the Australian Labor Party, the first time an Aboriginal politician had served as the president of any Australian political party. Aden Ridgeway served as the deputy leader of the Australian Democrats. But Australia's political elite remains predominantly white.
Some will argue that Australia needs to look over the ditch to New Zealand. Passed in 1867, the Maori Representation Act created four Maori parliamentary seats. Now there are 7 out of the 69 seats.
Others might point out that Australia can already boast a charismatic 40-something black lawyer, with an elegant turn of phrase, a post-partisan approach to politics, a history of community activism and a compelling life story. His name is Noel Pearson and he is presently the director of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership. But though a frequent contributor to political debates, Mr Pearson has operated outside the realm of narrow party politics.
Though clearly less well-known, Noel Pearson is sometimes favourably compared with Dr Martin Luther King Jr. In August 2000, for instance, he delivered his own landmark speech: The Light on the Hill.
It took over 45 years from King's "I Have a Dream Speech" to the election of a black American president. Are we looking at a similar timeline for an indigenous Australian national leader? Or is that way too optimistic?
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I think all this focus on the colour of Obama's skin is rather racist - or race obsessed- in itself. The US, like Australia, has been run by pale males up until now.
Check out the people standing in Obama's cabinet: I saw a photo yesterday and so far, Obama's is the only dark face among them. It's a pale cabinet, folks.
Surely it's a matter of the best woman or man for the job, whatever the colour of their skin.
Having a darker-skinned president is no guarantee that you will have a more progressive president, who truly puts the 'small people' first.
Having a darker-skinned president is no guarantee that he will trim hugely bloated war and arms budgets and rein in the extreme capitalists and put the money into better education and universal health care.
Having a darker-skinned president is no guarantee that he won't surround himself by fat-cat corporate spokesman or career politicans with off-shore agendas.
Obama is a well-heeled, middle class Harvard educated establishment man, who happens to be of mixed race. He is currently rewarding his big corporate sponsors (like Warren Buffet) by allowing them to 'help him' choose his cabinet. Let's get real here. Obama is no grassroots activist - as the colour of his skin seems to suggest to some of you (i would say, in a racist way).
Meet the new leader, same as the old leader.
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Comparing African Americans and Indigeneous Australians sounds fine at first but it's really apples and oranges. How many native americans are in the US congress or senate? Now you have a relevant comparison.
Ridgeway himself wrote a column last week about how it is possible, as long as the individual is able to balance indigenous priorities and majority needs and appeal to both groups without feeling like a sell out.
And of course possess the ability to rise to the top of the party via factional infighting and backroom deals.
It's highly possible, but there are no obvious contenders on the horizon for either Australia's first indigenous, or for that matter female, PM.
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While we focus on the Obama fantasy and imagine how our different indigenous people might rise to the highest office (a Maori for NZ! a Native American for USA! an Eskimo for Canada!) - I think we need to take a real, hard look at what went down in the US last week.
A man of colour was sponsored to the hilt by a powerful (majority white) corporate and establishment sector. He's their man - as we see by BO's very revealing choice of appointments. The military-industrial complex has nothing to fear from BO's appointment: indeed, they have much to celebrate as he gives them some marvellous politically-correct cover.
Nick, I'd like to quote to you the words of one of Australia's greatest sons, who has won an international fan-base because of his integrity and ethical, truth-telling journalism:
"Yes, Obama?s election is historic, a symbol of great change to many. But it is equally true that the American elite has grown adept at using the black middle and management class.
" In striking contrast, a young black major serving in Vietnam, Colin Powell, was used to ?investigate? and whitewash the infamous My Lai massacre.
" As Bush?s secretary of state, Powell was often described as a ?liberal? and was considered ideal to lie to the United Nations about Iraq?s non-existent weapons of mass destruction.
"Condaleezza Rice, lauded as a successful black woman, has worked assiduously to deny the Palestinians justice. " - John Pilger.
Indigenous people do not necessarily or automatically make for progressive, peace-loving, ethical Presidents. Let's not kid ourselves.
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I think 'sirjohnwood' is correct "I think all this focus on the colour of Obama's skin is rather racist - or race obsessed- in itself. "
Its all about the person. After all in the UK we thought we would never have a women as prime minster.
When the right person comes along it will happen.
Sliverfoxliver
http://www.sanza.co.uk
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Nick
You must be unaware of ATSIC
I think you are unaware that a policy of self determination for indigenous Australia was introduced in the early 1970s
ATSIC grew out of this in the late 1980s and was intended to be an elected separatist government, elected by and for indigenous Australia and with its own policies and budget, It was a unique experiment but the organisation ran into numerous difficulties and was only disbanded in 2005. The indigenous politicians you are looking for were in ATSIC.
Noel Pearson has realised he has far more influence with both sides of politics and the general public in his current role as public intellectual on indigenous issues
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The tone of this piece suggests that something is wrong in Australian politics because there are few black politicians at national level, it implies, that must be because they are discriminated against. If that is Bryant's proposition it is absolutely ridiculous -although, needless to say it's being said about British blacks as well. The proposition boils down to 'Vote for me-I'm black' .
I have lived in Australia, it is not such a bad country that anyone of ability and who is prepared to work hard cannot succeed in life-maybe its the lack of these qualities which is holding the Aboriginals back.
As for Obama, well he looks and sounds good, what more could a journalist want, in that regard a lot like Clinton but will he have Clinton's luck-I doubt it.
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Australia has a number of wonderful Indigenous leaders, people who would make fantastic Prime Ministers. Sadly, I think most of them wouldn't even harbour the idea of leading a country that had caused their people so much damage. Also, I suspect there's still enough racism in Australia to ensure the Bradley effect eventualises.
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Yes I am shocked as the comparisons should be with Asian-Australians and African-Americans because we are not bringing up native Indian Americans. The mayor of Melbourne is Asian for example and showcases the direction of this country. The fact we gave 1 billion in tsunami aid relief also highlights our links to the region and our support. Wolfensohn?s positive sentiments have been reciprocated by some Asian leaders. Goh Chok Tong, ex-Singapore president, praised Australia when he said:
"I believe that Australia has a special role in the region. Australia is a developed country rich in natural resources, talented people and technology. Its political and cultural values are Western but the society has a rich Asian mix. Australia enjoys close ties with the US and Europe. Australia is therefore well-placed to serve as another nexus between the West and Asia."
This comparison would more appropriate? Obama represents a new age - a colourless age of one race ? humanity ^_^
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Obama won the American election as he was organized, well-funded and he sold himself well to the American public, yes there are people out there who would not have voted for him purely for the colour of his skin but most Americans voted for him as they wanted 'change' as his slogan said, they were over the Republicans and Obama offered them something different.
Obama got where he is from hard work, study and good connections. If an Aborigine, Maori, Inuit/First Nation (Sirjohnwood, Eskimo is old school), Caucasian, Asian, Arab, Latino or a Martian applied themselves as well then they will achieve what he has in most countries.
Aden Ridgeway had/has the talent, if he was a Liberal or Labour member he would easily have been a Cabinet Minister and possible future leader, it was a shame he was on a weak party. I was not alive to see Neville Bonner in government so I can't back him up.
Australia will elect an Aboriginal leader when someone has the talent and the backing and the policies as Mr Obama did. As SydneyKate stated, Nick, how about noting the fact Aussie has never had a woman as a Prime Minister, we lack in that department as well compared to the Kiwis who have had 2 already, 107 years and it seems the alpha male club is still the head rooster.
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I have met and talked to several indigenous students from Central Australia who are attending schools in Adelaide. I am very impressed by every one of them. In particular by a 17 year old who is at a private school, the fees paid by his grandmother from the sale of her artwork.
This young person stands out as a future leader, not only a leader of his people but a leader of the wider population.
If Obama can make it to the white house then this young man could become the Prime Minister - or even President of the future Republic of Australia.
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A bigger question is, will Obama follow Australia and Canada in aplogizing to the Aboriginal Peoples of his land. Let us not forget that only a handful of the tribes are surviving there, and then it is by sheer luck. The Media absolutely refuses to report on those in South Dakota who's poverty is on par with that of Haiti. How can a government call themselves a champion of Democracy when they ignore the fact that their own policies in place which were officially named "Kill the Indian, Save the Man" almost destroyed a whole culture? Or that children ripped away from their families and taken to Indian Boarding Schools were raped, beaten, abused by those set up in government to educate them. ... No sense in trying the knee-jerk reaction in denying it. It is open knowledge, yet... No public apology, no attempt to honor the treaties..... And No one in the world cares. Sad really. Soweto got more coverage, Dafur gets more coverage.... Maybe, because it's the US, the world is afraid to call them on it? I dare the media to show some integrity and investigate just ONE reservation, and report on it honestly. Pine Ridge, Rosebud any of the reservations in South Dakota.
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Actually, THE "Light on the Hill" speech was delivered by Ben Chifley in 1949, and this is a concept and phrase that is attributed to him. Noel Pearson gave a Ben Chifley memorial lecture, as part of a "Light on the Hill" series.
Not relevant to the overall point being made, but an inaccuracy nonetheless.
I can only agree with the others who have pointed out the African-American situation is in no way comparable to that of indigenous Australians. It's a comparison that is often (incorrectly) made, and is just not right.
I also think some indigenous Australians have made great progress, and the examples listed here are wonderful ones. But isn't it also possible that a majority of Aborigines might not be at all interested in what we consider important? i.e. our very British-style Westminster system of Parliament and Government. I'd hazard a guess they might see that as a symbol of all that caused their problems in the first place ... but I'm no expert.
Sorry Day earlier this year, and the enthusiasm and joy for it from a vast majority of Australians, was a great step in the right direction ... also showed just how out of touch Howard was with the general feeling of the nation.
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The blacks in the US may have been discriminated over the years, but they do have the benefit of large numbers, and Obama has made good use of that.
Just as it happened in South Africa the US black people have had to fight for their rights over the years, and by doing so have shaken the foundations of white supremacy. Whatever side you were on, you could not ignore the issue.
Indigenous Australians form around 2% of the population, and roughly half of them live in very scarcely populated areas. In Sydney you hardly ever see them, except a few playing didgeridoo for the tourists at Circular Quay. Even if they did put up a big fight for their rights, most Australians would not hear them. They are therefore largely ignored as a political force by the rest of the Ozzie population.
Also, because of their lack of numbers, their vote for a future political leader does not really make a difference in the way it did for Obama. In the US the majority of whites voted for McCain, but the blacks took Obama past the post. In Australia that would be unlikely to happen.
Perhaps it is not so useful to compare indigenous Australians to Obama and the blacks in the US. The American Indians might be a better comparison. When did they last produce a President?
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Might be of interest:
http://ludditejourno.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/maori-seats-and-democratic-colonies/
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#14
I think that link might come under the heading of 'lies, damned lies and statistics'! The author has not compared like with like. If indigenous Australians make comparisons, then it has been with indigenous people of North America not NZ. Just a few differences...
1. NZ has a unicameral political system, whilst Canada, the US and Australia are bicameral federations. The author has missed the extra layer of (state) government in the 3 federations
2. Maori comprise ~15% of the NZ population. This gives a Maori candidate a ready made electorate if - and it is 'if' - Maori prefer to vote en bloc for a Maori candidate, as for example over 90% of African Americans voted in Obama. This electoral advantage simply does not exist with the less than 4% of indigenous voters, of the 3 other countries
3. Maori are all mixed race, English speaking and live within or in geographical proximity to the mainstream of NZ society. The politics of this does not compare to the geographically remote communities of northern and inland Australia, home to 30% of indigenous Australians and who may be non English speaking, and who have limited contact with the outside world. I would think some reservation Native Americans would similarly live separately
4. The purpose of the now defunct ATSIC as mentioned upthread
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It will unfortunately be some time before Australian's elect a prime minister of Aboriginal descent. Part of the problem in finding a suitable Aboriginal leader to be put as Prime Minister relates to factionalism amongst Aboriginals. The Aboriginal population of Australia are made up of numerous tribes or language groups and, as would be expected amongst any group of people, with different views and agendas. Most non Aboriginal Australians regard Aboriginals as a single group which is simplistic at best. Noel Pearson to whom Nick refers is highly regarded in white Australia but loathed in large sections of the Aboriginal community as he sees Aboriginal rights and self determination as being of secondary importance to the improving the health and education of Aboriginals even if it means trampling on some Aboriginal rights such as the permit system.
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Hang on.
If we are comparing indgenous leaders, shouldn't we be talking about Native Americans, not African Americans? Maybe that will put things in clearer perspective. When are we likely to see a Native American President?
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SirJohn,
You're point about celebrating Obama's presidency being racist is almost correct. The only problem is you miss why people are celebrating. Nobody believes that Obama can fix things just because he is black. If they did, then yes, that would be racist.
The reason the election of a black president in America is seen as a great thing is that 50 years ago even Barack Obama could not have been elected in a country that still had legalized segregation (schools were still segregated in 1958 in parts of the country - that isn't very long ago if you ask a 60 year old black American). It just plain could not have happened - but now it can, and that is why people are happy.
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Nick:
[I am copied the question from your blog]...
"But I fear that I may have shied away from asking the more interesting and provocative question: will Australia ever have a black prime minister, or even a black president?"
I think that in due-time, that Australia will have a Black Prime Minister and someday, soon also a black president....
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