Kate Is Finally Commenting on Politics
It only takes one incident to set me off.....
Earlier today, I was asked by one of my loyal blog readers, Anonomouse, to outline Australia's National Immigration Policy and to also comment on whether Australia's "Nationalist" attitude is the cause of its (perceived) problems. So, I spent some time tonight reading up on the subject and have tried to explain it the best I can below.
(Before I proceed, I note that a lot of what is contained below is a reflection of my own opinions rather than based on any commentary provided by anyone else. Where I have obtained information from somewhere, I have provided a reference).
Australia's Immigration Policy in the Past - The White Australia Policy
By way of summarily, up until approximately 1966, there was a law in Australia entitled Immigration Restriction Act 1901. This piece of legislation and the regulations arising from it became known as the "White Australia Policy". This policy was based on excluding "non white" (or non-european) immigrants from immigrating to the Australian Continent. Non Europeans were not admitted, citzenship requirements were strict and well guarded and the government (as well as society) were committed to enforcing this non-white policy. Although today we may shake our heads as such obvious legitimisation of racism, we must remember that at such time, the United States, Canada and New Zealand all had their own racially restrictive immigration policies. Sadly, at this time, society believed that there were real racial differences and that their own race (the "European Race") was superior.
After a review of the non-European policy in March 1996, the Australian government announced that they would "loosen" the immigration legislation to allow well qualified non-European immigrants to enter Australia. It was in 1978 that the Australian government removed all restrictions on the country of origin of immigrants.
Notwithstanding the removal of the White Australia Policy, like many other countries suffering from a history of racial divide, it was hard to change the attitudes of Australians. It took time for people to accept that Australian borders were "open" to any, and there was a lot of anger. Many were concerned that immigrants would take jobs from low skilled workers, given that they were more likely to accept lower wages (Australian wages at the time were still considerably high compared to other countries). Also, given that non-Europeans often did not have English as their first language, many were worried that government resources would have to be used to assist them, rather than the funds going to Australian-born tax payers.
Australia's Immigration Policy - Multiculturalism
Over time, this attitude lessened, yet there was still a prevailing attitude that all people who enter Australia must "assimilate". That is, give up their culture and accept Australia's culture as their own. Sadly, it is this idea of "assimilation" that I believe still exists amongst many who were from the 1900's - 1980's era - which is of course our parents and grandparents.
However, these days, the Australian government has turned from White Australia Policy, to assimilation, to multiculturalism. Australia now has a "Multicultural Immigration Policy" which aims to " build on our suggess as a culturally diverse, accepting and open society." (www.immi.gov.ay/facts/06evolution.htm).
Australia's Multicultural Policy states that:
"the Freedom of all Australians to express and share their cultural calues is dependant on their abiding mutual civil obligations. All Australians are expected to have an overriding loyalty to Australia and its people and to respect the basic structures and principles underwriting our democratic society. These are the Constitution, parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech, and religion."
Those from the 1900's - 1980's era read this statement as "Australians believe in assimilation." ie. come to Australia, give up your culture and accept ours as the one and only" because it is the "overriding loyalty" to do so. However, a majority of those of my generation and younger read this statement and understand that it is perfectly fine for all different cultures in Australia to share their culture and to practice any part of their culture or relgion so long as it is not in opposition to our laws.
The unfortunate effect of having 1900's - 1980's generation teaching young children, the deep-seeded beliefs of White Australia Policy or assimilation is still there, and it is often handed down from parent to child, particularly in lower-socio economic areas where education is limited. Notwithstanding this, it doesnt matter how much education you provide to people, you learn from those that are closest to you. Accordingly, it is no surprise that there are still people out there, who are my age, who believe that all non-european immigrants should not be in Australia, or at the very least, reject all parts of their culture in order to live here.
Racism towards Non-Europeans in Australia Today
I would be wrong to say that it is not there. However, I dont believe that it is outright racism, in that some Australians believe that they are of a superior race to anyone who is not of european descent. There are some kids who are plain racists, and these are the fringe minority groups (neo-nazi) but these groups are in every country.
Rather, I believe that the anger in Australia is a result of "reverse racism". Kids are being taught mutliculturalism, but are questioning why there are particular groups of immigrants (or of non-European descent) that are not abiding by Australia's idea of "multiculturalism". That is, there are groups out there who are rejecting basic principles, the freedoms which underpin our democratic society. This is where I believe the problem lies. It is not a matter of pure racism, in that there is a belief that they are "superior".
It of course does not mean I condone the behaviour which I unfortunately had to witness on Sunday. In protest against groups who are rejecting our basic principles and freedoms, young Australians broke their own rules and forgot what they were "fighting for". It was made a "race issue" when really it should have been about stopping "gangs" OF ANY NATIONALITY from infringing upon anyone's freedoms.
Australia's National Immigration Policy
While Australia is slowly becoming a "multicultural society" (contrary to what a minority of young idiots proved on the weekend), the Government's National Immigration Policy is not something Australia should be proud of. I stress that the issue above relates to the legitimate immigration of foreign citizens using the proper processes in place by the Federal Government. Australia's handling of illegal immigrants is a completely different issue. I dont believe that the two issues are related in any way. The treatment of any multicultural person in our society is up to the people of Australia, and generally, I dont believe Australia should be ashamed (again, up until this weekend). However, the treatment of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers is really something that is beyond the average Australian's control - unless people actually start taking responsibility for the democratic process involved in electing the Government.
Do I think that the Australian Government are a group of people who are racist? No. I honestly believe that their actions are not racist. I do not believe that their decisions in relation to the detention of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers are based on the idea that Australians are of a superior race. Rather I believe that we have a Federal Government who is guilty of having wrong priorities. I believe that the Australian Government is guilty of running a strict economic policy and strict national security policy which is treated as being more important that human rights. Again, this isnt an issue of race. It is an issue of economics and foreign affairs.
In 2004, the High Court of Australia ruled that the Australian Government were allowed to keep asylum seekers in detention if they had not been granted Australian visas, and they are not allowed to remove them from Australia. This meant that the Australian Government could keep asylum seekers in detention for an indefinate amount of time, until they are available for deportation. The High Court held that it was not a form of punishment, rather it was a way to process them for appropriate deportation. However, due to the endless bureaucracy and circumstances of each individual, many asylum seekers are left in these less that adequate detention centres of "await their fate". They have no access of judicial review. These people are not criminals. They are often people who are claiming asylum based on their fears of remaining in their own countries. Often, these people escape their countries with no documentation, in fear of being returned for persecution in their own country of origin.
The United Nations and Australia's own Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission have investigated the mandatory detention of asylum seekers, and found that it is against international human rights, however, Australian law makers and judicial members continue to believe that such policy is crucial in order to maintain the economic prosperity and security of Australia. The Government believes that by readily accepting people who do not have identity is placing national security at risk. The Government believes that by allowing constant streams of immigrants into Australia will place a burden on Australia's infrastructure and funds. Whilst reasonable concerns, the Government is turning a blind eye on their obligations internationally to ensure the protection of human rights. The Federal Government's rigid economic policy has, in many cases, outweighed the social policy of Australia. Take the new workplace relations legislation, which effectively takes the power away from employees and into the hands of employers ("for the sake of Australia's economy" says Mr. Howard and Mr. Costello). This Government is always willing to ensure the economic viability at the expense of the effect that it may have on human beings and their social welfare.
There are plenty of arguments about this issue, and I try to avoid pointing the blame at anyone but I believe that if the Government is not willing to change its policy on mandatory detention of asylum seekers, Australia will sadly be unable to avoid the dark cloud which hangs over it in relation to human rights. I truly believe that the Australian Government can fix its problem by fixing the administration processes of its immigration department and they need to actually get some accountability for their actions, rather than hiding behind the "Its for the Good of the Economy" umbrella. Until then, I dont think I am going to be able to avoid those like Anonomouse coming to me and saying "hey doesnt your country have a bad human rights record?" While I can tell him that the majority of Australians promote multiculturalism, I unfortunately have to explain that democratic Australia voted a Government in who has its priorities in the wrong order.
And lets not get started on the Australian's refusal to accept the country's past treatment of its own natives, Aboriginals. Maybe that will be tomorrows essay, because I am exhausted!!!
Earlier today, I was asked by one of my loyal blog readers, Anonomouse, to outline Australia's National Immigration Policy and to also comment on whether Australia's "Nationalist" attitude is the cause of its (perceived) problems. So, I spent some time tonight reading up on the subject and have tried to explain it the best I can below.
(Before I proceed, I note that a lot of what is contained below is a reflection of my own opinions rather than based on any commentary provided by anyone else. Where I have obtained information from somewhere, I have provided a reference).
Australia's Immigration Policy in the Past - The White Australia Policy
By way of summarily, up until approximately 1966, there was a law in Australia entitled Immigration Restriction Act 1901. This piece of legislation and the regulations arising from it became known as the "White Australia Policy". This policy was based on excluding "non white" (or non-european) immigrants from immigrating to the Australian Continent. Non Europeans were not admitted, citzenship requirements were strict and well guarded and the government (as well as society) were committed to enforcing this non-white policy. Although today we may shake our heads as such obvious legitimisation of racism, we must remember that at such time, the United States, Canada and New Zealand all had their own racially restrictive immigration policies. Sadly, at this time, society believed that there were real racial differences and that their own race (the "European Race") was superior.
After a review of the non-European policy in March 1996, the Australian government announced that they would "loosen" the immigration legislation to allow well qualified non-European immigrants to enter Australia. It was in 1978 that the Australian government removed all restrictions on the country of origin of immigrants.
Notwithstanding the removal of the White Australia Policy, like many other countries suffering from a history of racial divide, it was hard to change the attitudes of Australians. It took time for people to accept that Australian borders were "open" to any, and there was a lot of anger. Many were concerned that immigrants would take jobs from low skilled workers, given that they were more likely to accept lower wages (Australian wages at the time were still considerably high compared to other countries). Also, given that non-Europeans often did not have English as their first language, many were worried that government resources would have to be used to assist them, rather than the funds going to Australian-born tax payers.
Australia's Immigration Policy - Multiculturalism
Over time, this attitude lessened, yet there was still a prevailing attitude that all people who enter Australia must "assimilate". That is, give up their culture and accept Australia's culture as their own. Sadly, it is this idea of "assimilation" that I believe still exists amongst many who were from the 1900's - 1980's era - which is of course our parents and grandparents.
However, these days, the Australian government has turned from White Australia Policy, to assimilation, to multiculturalism. Australia now has a "Multicultural Immigration Policy" which aims to " build on our suggess as a culturally diverse, accepting and open society." (www.immi.gov.ay/facts/06evolution.htm).
Australia's Multicultural Policy states that:
"the Freedom of all Australians to express and share their cultural calues is dependant on their abiding mutual civil obligations. All Australians are expected to have an overriding loyalty to Australia and its people and to respect the basic structures and principles underwriting our democratic society. These are the Constitution, parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech, and religion."
Those from the 1900's - 1980's era read this statement as "Australians believe in assimilation." ie. come to Australia, give up your culture and accept ours as the one and only" because it is the "overriding loyalty" to do so. However, a majority of those of my generation and younger read this statement and understand that it is perfectly fine for all different cultures in Australia to share their culture and to practice any part of their culture or relgion so long as it is not in opposition to our laws.
The unfortunate effect of having 1900's - 1980's generation teaching young children, the deep-seeded beliefs of White Australia Policy or assimilation is still there, and it is often handed down from parent to child, particularly in lower-socio economic areas where education is limited. Notwithstanding this, it doesnt matter how much education you provide to people, you learn from those that are closest to you. Accordingly, it is no surprise that there are still people out there, who are my age, who believe that all non-european immigrants should not be in Australia, or at the very least, reject all parts of their culture in order to live here.
Racism towards Non-Europeans in Australia Today
I would be wrong to say that it is not there. However, I dont believe that it is outright racism, in that some Australians believe that they are of a superior race to anyone who is not of european descent. There are some kids who are plain racists, and these are the fringe minority groups (neo-nazi) but these groups are in every country.
Rather, I believe that the anger in Australia is a result of "reverse racism". Kids are being taught mutliculturalism, but are questioning why there are particular groups of immigrants (or of non-European descent) that are not abiding by Australia's idea of "multiculturalism". That is, there are groups out there who are rejecting basic principles, the freedoms which underpin our democratic society. This is where I believe the problem lies. It is not a matter of pure racism, in that there is a belief that they are "superior".
It of course does not mean I condone the behaviour which I unfortunately had to witness on Sunday. In protest against groups who are rejecting our basic principles and freedoms, young Australians broke their own rules and forgot what they were "fighting for". It was made a "race issue" when really it should have been about stopping "gangs" OF ANY NATIONALITY from infringing upon anyone's freedoms.
Australia's National Immigration Policy
While Australia is slowly becoming a "multicultural society" (contrary to what a minority of young idiots proved on the weekend), the Government's National Immigration Policy is not something Australia should be proud of. I stress that the issue above relates to the legitimate immigration of foreign citizens using the proper processes in place by the Federal Government. Australia's handling of illegal immigrants is a completely different issue. I dont believe that the two issues are related in any way. The treatment of any multicultural person in our society is up to the people of Australia, and generally, I dont believe Australia should be ashamed (again, up until this weekend). However, the treatment of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers is really something that is beyond the average Australian's control - unless people actually start taking responsibility for the democratic process involved in electing the Government.
Do I think that the Australian Government are a group of people who are racist? No. I honestly believe that their actions are not racist. I do not believe that their decisions in relation to the detention of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers are based on the idea that Australians are of a superior race. Rather I believe that we have a Federal Government who is guilty of having wrong priorities. I believe that the Australian Government is guilty of running a strict economic policy and strict national security policy which is treated as being more important that human rights. Again, this isnt an issue of race. It is an issue of economics and foreign affairs.
In 2004, the High Court of Australia ruled that the Australian Government were allowed to keep asylum seekers in detention if they had not been granted Australian visas, and they are not allowed to remove them from Australia. This meant that the Australian Government could keep asylum seekers in detention for an indefinate amount of time, until they are available for deportation. The High Court held that it was not a form of punishment, rather it was a way to process them for appropriate deportation. However, due to the endless bureaucracy and circumstances of each individual, many asylum seekers are left in these less that adequate detention centres of "await their fate". They have no access of judicial review. These people are not criminals. They are often people who are claiming asylum based on their fears of remaining in their own countries. Often, these people escape their countries with no documentation, in fear of being returned for persecution in their own country of origin.
The United Nations and Australia's own Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission have investigated the mandatory detention of asylum seekers, and found that it is against international human rights, however, Australian law makers and judicial members continue to believe that such policy is crucial in order to maintain the economic prosperity and security of Australia. The Government believes that by readily accepting people who do not have identity is placing national security at risk. The Government believes that by allowing constant streams of immigrants into Australia will place a burden on Australia's infrastructure and funds. Whilst reasonable concerns, the Government is turning a blind eye on their obligations internationally to ensure the protection of human rights. The Federal Government's rigid economic policy has, in many cases, outweighed the social policy of Australia. Take the new workplace relations legislation, which effectively takes the power away from employees and into the hands of employers ("for the sake of Australia's economy" says Mr. Howard and Mr. Costello). This Government is always willing to ensure the economic viability at the expense of the effect that it may have on human beings and their social welfare.
There are plenty of arguments about this issue, and I try to avoid pointing the blame at anyone but I believe that if the Government is not willing to change its policy on mandatory detention of asylum seekers, Australia will sadly be unable to avoid the dark cloud which hangs over it in relation to human rights. I truly believe that the Australian Government can fix its problem by fixing the administration processes of its immigration department and they need to actually get some accountability for their actions, rather than hiding behind the "Its for the Good of the Economy" umbrella. Until then, I dont think I am going to be able to avoid those like Anonomouse coming to me and saying "hey doesnt your country have a bad human rights record?" While I can tell him that the majority of Australians promote multiculturalism, I unfortunately have to explain that democratic Australia voted a Government in who has its priorities in the wrong order.
And lets not get started on the Australian's refusal to accept the country's past treatment of its own natives, Aboriginals. Maybe that will be tomorrows essay, because I am exhausted!!!
posted by KateOnTheGo at
9:40 AM
8 Comments:
Thanks for your critique. I will answer your questions/clarify points later on tonight when I get home from work.
I wrote the essay on the way home from work. HAAHHA
I am a frustrated journalist that never became one - got the calling from the legal profession instead.
K
That's some nice work Kate.
I do however think that latent racism is at work in the current federal government, because their constituency of hard core voters, is more racist.
Witness the foot stamping adulation for Ruddock at the height of the so called 'boat people' crisis. Witness too the deliberate dog whistling over Australian Muslims following September 11.
Perhaps it's not racism. Maybe it's not the colour of one's skin, but it's morphed into a dislike of opposing cultures. After-all a Chinese Australian with an australian accent that acts like a white Australian might is of coure no threat. But one that bungs insence in the air, speaks in an accent, and celebrates new year in February is strange and unsettling.
The Federal government panders to the racist element in this society. The proof of the pudding is in the legislation they have bought to parliament.
And as Crikey have pointed out this week, the Cronulla rioters that urged violence via mobile phones can potentially be charged under these new anti terror laws.
Will they be? My single groat says no.
I'm in Industrial Relations/Employment Law.
:)
Thanks for your comments Mikey. Will answer your points tonight.
K
Interesting, very interesting. Especially the relative recent changes to the law. Very recent. Or too late?
Here, here Kato... Couldn't have put it better.
haha Thanks Nattie!
K
Thank you for a sound summary.
I can understand why you got exhausted - it is an exhausting topic. I recently wrote an email to attempt a similar summary of attitudes specifically towards indigenous people in Australia for a friend overseas. That became a lot longer than I initially intended and it's just a tiny subset of Australian political history with regard to non-whites and non-Brits.
Keep up the good work »
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