NEW RACE RELATIONS BAROMETER RELEASED: WHERE IS THE LOVE?
Download a copy of 'New Race Relations Barometer Released: Where is the Love?'
Download a copy of the Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2010 report
A new social barometer has revealed that relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians are improving and that the majority of Australians are optimistic about the future.
The Australian Reconciliation Barometer provides a detailed snapshot of the views of Australians about reconciliation and tracks how Indigenous and other Australians feel about each other.
The landmark study, which is designed to be repeated every two years, also shows that we still don’t trust each other and there are high levels of prejudice between the two groups.
Reconciliation Australia Co-Chair Prof Mick Dodson said the research tells us that overall attitudes are positive and that we value the relationship.
“The data from the Barometer provides an indication of where Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians are currently positioned in relation to each other.
“The report will also help shape discussions around Constitutional reform and we’ll be briefing the expert panel chosen to discuss the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the Constitution later this week,” Prof Dodson said.
Key findings of the 2010 Australian Reconciliation Barometer:
- 87% of all Australians agree the relationship is important and 48% say it is improving
- 58% of Indigenous people agree the Apology has improved the relationship
- The general community’s knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures is fairly low (only 39%)
- However, around 4 out of 5 Australians believe it is important to know about Indigenous history and culture and are open to learning more
- 91% of Indigenous Australians believe past policies still affect Indigenous people
- 59% of all Australians believe in the special place of Indigenous people, connection to the land and family relationships but only 44% say Indigenous people are open to sharing their culture
- Only 9% of Indigenous people and 16% of the general population think the media presents a balanced view of Indigenous Australians
- We still don’t trust each other. Just 9% of all Australians feel that trust between the two groups is good
- There was also a strong acknowledgement, particularly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (93%), that there are high levels of prejudice between the two groups.
The first Barometer was conducted in 2008 five months after the Apology to the Stolen Generations when there was a strong feeling of optimism within the sample groups.
“The 2010 Barometer did reveal a slight drop in some areas but it is important to look at the findings in context.
“Over the last two years, particularly with the Global Financial Crisis, there has been a general feeling of apprehension,” Prof Dodson said.
“It is not surprising that responses are slightly down but it’s more to do with a change in the broader social landscape than what we feel about reconciliation.”
An encouraging finding is the fact that Indigenous respondents are less likely to believe they are disadvantaged or affected by race-based policies of the past. There was a 10% drop from 35% in 2008 to 25% in 2010.
“Every single Australian has an important role to play in reconciliation—particularly improving relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Australians,” Prof Dodson said.
“While there are leadership roles for government and industry in promoting shared pride and ensuring successful policies and programs are delivered, individuals can also make a difference by learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, histories and cultures.
“Events like National Reconciliation Week can provide a focus for all Australians to reflect on reconciliation, learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures—and strengthen the relationships.”
National Reconciliation Week is an annual celebration from 27 May – 3 June. In 2011 the theme is ‘Let’s talk recognition’.
Reconciliation Australia is the peak body promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
To read the full Barometer or download the media kit: www.reconciliation.org.au/barometer2010
