Name: Chloe Godfrey Student Number: 11686008 Subject: IKC101 Assessment 3

Assessment Item 3 – Essay

Australian policy and historical events in relation to Indigenous Australian peoples have
been shaped by the positioning of Indigenous peoples to rationalise approaches, the
presumed relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous parties as a consequence
and the evolution of approaches to Australian policy for Indigenous Australian individuals.
Two historical events that shaped this include the 1788 arrival of the British First Fleet and
Cathy Freeman winning gold at the 2001 Olympic Games; proudly displaying the Aboriginal
flag.

1788’s First fleet carried Botany Bay’s flora and fauna set out from Portsmouth Harbour. The
convoy set out carrying over five hundred convicts to be set up for lifelong slavery as
England has reached it’s capacity. Britain required a secure location to both prepare for a
future settlement and to banish criminals. The embarkment to Norfolk Island supplied the
Royal Navy with spars and masts, whilst existence in the Pacific Ocean would disadvantage
opposing ambitions of rival colonial powers. The first contact between Indigenous
Australians and British colonisers rapidly transformed into frontier conflict and created a
cultural division that continued to separate Australia to this day 140 years later. Indigenous
persons didn’t hold superior authority over British colonisers as their culture was
disregarded and not understood. Cook recorded observations on his voyage that the coast
was inhabited, and here he listed as he reboarded the ship the immense number of fires
that swarmed the land and surrounding islands, is a certain sighting they’re inhabited.
Aboriginal Australians lack of power sourced as Governor Arthur Phillip claimed ownership
of the land regarding the legal concept of terra nullius (no man’s land) over the grounds
Cook titled New South Wales. Indigenous Australians role in decision making and views
regarding culture and social norms was crushed after the annunciation of terra nullius. The
attacks from Aboriginal Australians initially began regarding the killing of kin, taboo
behaviour and the killing and burning of flora and fauna. As white supremacy took control,
Aboriginal Australians were constructed as a ‘problem to be resolved’ as they were critically
perceived as inhabitants on their own land. As a result of historical tension between both
parties, it is evident that non Indigenous people possess greater authority and are in a
position of creating meaning on a micro and macro level. (McAusland, R 2004) Individuals
can also benefit from macro racism, even if they themselves aren’t racist. As they benefit
from belonging and confirming with the social norm. (McAllister, 2014)

British colonists and Aboriginal Australians shared the ideal goal of staying in the one
location and not having to move. With many inhabitants living on the same land after the
colonisation period, differences arose that impacted the positioning of Indigenous
Australians and the relationship between non Indigenous peoples and Indigenous
Australians. Colonists kept diaries and journals, recording the immoral disrespect many
individuals had for local Aboriginal Australians. European authority enlisted the killing of
native Aboriginal people and the burning of buildings, grassland and crops. These attacks
left Aboriginal Australians in a vulnerable position as their weaponry to fight back wasn’t as
strong or protective as European weaponry. British colonisation also brought over the
introduction of diseases including typhoid, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Eora Aboriginal
Name: Chloe Godfrey Student Number: 11686008 Subject: IKC101 Assessment 3

Australians living on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour died from smallpox an the origin of
the disease presented a source of disagreement amongst individuals. Frontier conflict
estimated that over twenty thousand Aboriginal Australians and two thousand British
colonisers died violently. The attacks and figures have left a straining and implied
relationship that Indigenous Australians and non Indigenous Australians don’t get along,
which can still be perceived in contemporary society as a result of historical events.
Knowledge of the First Fleet is reinforced in movies, books, media, articles, documentaries,
social institutions such as schools, church’s etc; to reinforce contemporary understandings
of the history and reasoning behind the arrival and colonisation of the British First Fleet. My
standpoint and understanding of this topic is thorough as I studied the event in Religion and
History whilst at school. I was able to identify gaps in my knowledge as I was unaware of the
statistics in mortality rates amongst both parties. The leading cultural and social norm
around Australia is racism. I feel as if I can personally relate to this topic as a close friend
was experiencing severe racial slurs and comments whilst we were at a social event.
Therefore, the position of Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians at an individual level
can differ to a relationship between Non Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Australians.
(Nolan, 2009)

The fifteenth of December, 2000 was a worldwide monumental moment as society was
captivated by the Opening Ceremony of Australia’s hosting of the Olympic Games in Sydney.
It was viewed as a tribute to Australia’s history, culture and identity. Cathy Freeman,
Australia’s most renowned athletic darling at the time, was chosen to light the stadium’s
Olympic flame. The event is emotional for society as it symbolises Australian individuals
desire to reconcile with Indigenous Australians. Cathy captured the media and hearts of
individuals when she was awarded the gold meal in the four hundred metre sprint. Whilst
doing her victory lap, she was honoured to carry both the Aboriginal and Australian flags as
a true reflection of pride and reconciliation of her Indigenous cultural heritage. Cathy
Freeman was the first Indigenous Australian in an individual event to win a gold medal at
the Olympic Games. Indigenous Australians are more freely able to have their views
represented after this monumental event as Australian society reconciles with the harsh
trauma undergone throughout history. This event improves the relationship between
Indigenous Australians and wider Australian society as the social norm ‘equality’ had been
made evident. By Australian society reconciling with Indigenous Australians, an equal
playing field for cultural rights and beliefs can be understood and the social construction of
Aboriginal Australians being ‘different’ from non Indigenous Australians can be resolved
from the norm and national society.

The signature goal is for non Indigenous Australians to reconcile with Indigenous Australians
and Torres Strait Islander people. Freeman is perceived as a hero in the eyes of all
Australians, but more so for Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous children. Freeman
established the Cathy Freeman Foundation (CFF), to assist children in having a greater
future through education. Indigenous Australians were given a greater authority in this
instance as society wished to reconcile with them and they weren’t left in a vulnerable
position to be left defenceless. Freeman’s achievement went down in history as it was a
tribute to Australia’s history, identity and culture. The implied relationship between
Indigenous Australians and wider Australian society had significantly improved as the nation
recognised their undergone trauma and reconciled with past histories. Knowledge and
Name: Chloe Godfrey Student Number: 11686008 Subject: IKC101 Assessment 3

understanding of Freeman’s achievement is recognised in books, movies, media articles,

documentaries and social institutions; such as a school, to reinforce contemporary
understandings of the history and cultural meaning behind her achievement. My standpoint
and understanding of Freeman’s winning is conscientious as I learnt about it in PDHPE at
school. I was able to identify gaps in my knowledge as I was unaware of the financial
fundraiser to raise funds for a better education for children. The leading social norm in this
event was equality. I feel empathetic towards this topic as I watched a documentary on the
social, sexist and racial injustices within sporting society. Therefore, the , the position of
Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians at an individual level can differ to a relationship
between Non Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Australians. (Nolan, 2009)

The British First Fleet and Cathy Freeman’s sporting achievement has influenced Australian
policy and historical events in relation to Indigenous Australian individuals and has been
shaped by the positioning of Indigenous peoples to rationalise approaches and the
presumed relationship between Indigenous and non Indigenous parties as a consequence
and the evolution of approaches to Australian policy for Indigenous Australian individuals.
Name: Chloe Godfrey Student Number: 11686008 Subject: IKC101 Assessment 3

Reference List

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