Its Complicated.
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Australian South Sea Islanders originate from over 80 different islands in the Pacific. These include Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Fiji, the Gilbert Islands, New Ireland, and Papua New Guinea
Australian South Sea Islanders are descendants of Pacific Islanders who were brought to Australia between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, often through coercion or kidnapping, to work in the sugarcane fields of Queensland. This practice, known as "blackbirding," involved the exploitation of over 60,000 individuals under harsh conditions. Despite facing significant discrimination and hardship, Australian South Sea Islanders have maintained a rich cultural heritage and continue to contribute to Australia's diverse society. Complicated is no excuse“Business as Usual” has failed to see significant improvement in the lives Australia's South Sea Islander over the past 30 years since the Australian Government Recognised Australian South Sea Islanders in 1994.
The 2024 Health and Community Survey highlights the importance of the bipartisan 2000 Queensland Government Recognition statement that acknowledges the importance of modifying policy and programs to meet the needs of Australian South Sea Islanders. Based on the fact that Australian South Sea Islanders (ASSI) are not considered Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under Australian law. The Closing the Gap initiative is specifically designed to address the disparities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since ASSI are recognised as a distinct ethnic group, they are not included in this initiative. The establishment of Kanaka Hospitals by the Queensland Government during the blackbirding era has revealed significant issues regarding the treatment of patients. Additionally, there have been troubling discoveries about the trade of deceased patients' body parts to private collections, museums, and academic institutions[1][2]. References [1] Sugar slaves - Queensland Historical Atlas [2] After collecting the dead, will Australian museums return Pacific ... |