The opinions of Indigenous Australians viewed through a population lens: the Reconciliation Barometer

Timothy Rowse

    Research output: Working paper

    Abstract

    It is unavoidable that in discussions of Indigenous affairs we will refer to what Indigenous Australians think and want, but against what evidence should we assess such representations? Since 2008 Reconciliation Australia has conducted a biennial survey, the Reconciliation Barometer, as a way to quantify Indigenous and General Community opinion relevant to reconciliation. This paper examines findings on historical acceptance and trust. Why does a minority of Indigenous respondents not assent to certain statements about Australias colonial history? The paper notes one likely explanation: the multiple meanings of accept in the survey instrument. As well, the paper suggests that when respondents confront certain factual statements their identities are engaged, influencing their answers. Noting that measured trust has risen over the years, the paper speculates about several plausible explanations. Surveys such as the Barometer facilitate the disaggregated representation of what political rhetoric tends to aggregate Indigenous Australia. The Barometer views peoples through a population lens.
    Original languageEnglish
    Place of PublicationCanberra
    PublisherAustralian National University
    Pages1-27
    ISBN (Print)987-1-925286-58-8
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2021

    Publication series

    Name
    ISSN (Print)1036-1774

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