The Howard government and Indigenous rights: An imposed national unity?

During the Howard decade, numerous controversies emerged in the Indigenous Affairs portfolio: the 'ten point plan' on native title; the question of a formal apology to the stolen generations; and the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC). Underpinning these contested policy developments is a common issue-the rights of Indigenous peoples within the Australian nation. The Coalition government has consistently opposed measures that give recognition to Indigenous rights. The previous policy of self-determination was rejected on the grounds that it has,implications of separate nations or governments' that are unacceptable (OATSIA 2003a). ATSIC was dismissed because it was deemed a failure, but also because it was said to represent a form of separatism that divided the nation. This was done without consultation or negotiation with Indigenous representatives, imposing a vision of national unity by unilateral decision. This article documents key developments in the portfolio and explores assumptions implicit in the government's rhetoric-that recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination are divisive and inherently at odds with nation cohesion and unity. In the final section, the ideas of several theorists are outlined to suggest that other approaches are possible-that rather than ignoring or suppressing the demands of Indigenous minorities for recognition, national unity is best served by political accommodation of the special status of such groups.