A Different Inequality: The Politics of Debate About Remote Aboriginal Australia

by Diane J. Austin-Broos, Fred Myers (Foreword)

Great beauty is juxtaposed with seemingly endless grief in remote Aboriginal Australia. Communities which produce magnificent art and maintain ancient ways also face extremes of social stress. Why does our society seem to get it so wrong for remote Aboriginal communities? Why, despite decades of consultation and policy shifts, can't governments introduce initiatives that will really close the gap? Why do critics and scholars alike struggle to make sense of the situation?

Diane Austin-Broos looks beyond the dire living conditions, lack of employment opportunities, misspent funds, and wrangles over resources, to ask where the obstacles really lie. Drawing on her extensive experience as an anthropologist, she identifies a polarization in the debate about these communities which leads to either ineffective policies or paralysis. She argues that until we find ways to acknowledge both cultural difference and inequality, we will not overcome this impasse. The way forward can't be a trade-off between land rights and employment, but needs to encompass both. This is a unique insight which will reshape not only the debate about remote Aboriginal communities, but also what happens on the ground.

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2011

Reviews

[Andrew Fahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an anthropologist who has worked in the space of Native Title, Land Rights, Heritage and community development for over 15 years, the issues covered in this book are ones that have always occupied my experience, thoughts and discussions. My own views have evolved over time, through further experience living in a number of remote communities and working on a variety of projects; debates and debriefs with colleagues and friends; and the harrowing and grief filled loss of Aboriginal friends and colleagues to the vagaries of contemporary remote living.

Austin-Broos’ book is the only I have read that fulsomely and even-handedly acknowledges the many complications and contradictions that characterise remote Aboriginal life today, and charts a humane and considered course through the debates around them. Finding her work has helped to maturely crystallise many views I was coming to hold on my own from my own experiences. An impressive and subtle work in a field over-dominated with romantic and fervent moral acrimony from both sides of the political spectrum.

[Sylvie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am quite disappointed with Diane Austin-Broos. Her book is a simplified version of Indigenous affairs among aunthropologists which does move towards a false image. She is commenting on two sides, the for and against homelands mentioning very simplified reasons behind their viewpoints. I am not sure that they would all agree with her. In my opinion the book does no help Indigenous disadvantages, does not bring any solutions or other venues on how to tackle this problem and she is not helping the Indigenous cause in any way.