ANTaR believes that self-determination - or the ability of Aboriginal people to freely determine their own political, economic, social and cultural development - is essential to overcoming Indigenous disadvantage.

Co-founder of The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, Professor Stephen Cornell, believes his research has clear implications for Indigenous policy in Australia. His advice on self-determination:

Give people substantive power in their own affairs, encourage and support them in taking responsibility for themselves, offer them assistance as they design or adopt tools that they see as appropriate for the exercise of that power — and the chances are good that they will do remarkable things. Deny them all of that — as we have done for too long — and you should be prepared to pick up the pieces and pay the costs for generations to come.

The effective exercise of Indigenous self-determination depends on more than just political change. To succeed, communities need a sustainable economic base as well as strong leadership and governance structures. However, if Professor Cornell and his colleagues are right, the lack of opportunity for self-determination by Aboriginal communities in Australia is a major barrier to overcoming Indigenous disadvantage in this country.

Recent key reports

Inquiry into overcoming Indigenous disadvantage

The Social Issues Committee of the New South Wales Parliament is conducting an inquiry principally focussed on identifying strategies to address the lifetime expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people (currently estimated to be 17 years). Download ANTaR's submission to the inquiry (PDF 174k). July 2008.

Summary: Abolishing ATSIC - the end of self-determination?

In 2004, the Government abolished ATSIC. The Government’s own review of ATSIC recommended a re-structuring of the organisation with greater emphasis on Indigenous decision-making at a regional level, however they returned all Indigenous-specific programs and funding to mainstream departments.

Paul Keating's Redfern speech

In December 2002, then Prime Minister Paul Keating gave a speech in the Sydney suburb of Redfern, now known as Paul Keating's Redfern speech. In it, he described his vision of Indigenous self-determination and self-management.

All things considered — a range of opinions

To give you a complete picture about self-determination, here's a range of perspectives. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of ANTaR, but we think they should be considered and thoughtfully debated.

• Governance 'failing' for Aborigines - AAP, 10 November 2008
• Native Americans take control - Stephen Cornell, 11 September 2008
• Lack of respect will not help indigenous children - Banduk Marika, 14 August 2007
• Consult us and give us respect: expert's plea - Sydney Morning Herald, 23 June 2007

What is needed to achieve Indigenous self-determination?

We encourage considered, respectful and where necessary provocative debate. Please feel welcome to have your say, and in turn allow others to have their say without responding in anger or distrust.

ANTaR reserves the right to delete any comment that contains offensive, defamatory or discriminatory content. If you feel any of these comments are of this nature, please let us know!