WA: Fair go a different deal in modern Australia survey

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-1999
WA: Fair go a different deal in modern Australia survey

PERTH, Feb 15 AAP - The egalitarian Australian ideal of a "fair go" for all was being
undermined by a belief that Aborigines and Asian migrants were getting special benefits and
treatment, according to a new report.

The report, by Curtin University in Perth, on fairness and equality found that many of
those surveyed felt ill at ease dealing with Asian migration and the "Aboriginal thing".

Twelve groups in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and country Western Australia were surveyed for a
snapshot on equality in Australian society for Curtin's Institute for Research into
International Competitiveness.

Research director Professor Peter Kenyon said they had expected those surveyed to be
talking about how their own lives were affected by issues such as employment and health.

Instead, the major focus was on Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders and a perception
that they were receiving preferential treatment which they did not deserve.

"Attitudes varied within a particular range," the report said.

"Some merely looked uncomfortable and did not wish to approach the subject directly; others
would come straight to the point.

"And the point was that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the undeserving
recipients of benefits and opportunities ... almost all the complaints related to what people
saw as an advantage in terms of social services and benefits."

Prof Kenyon said the survey results reflected a lack of self confidence amongst those
trying to weigh up whether socially disadvantaged groups needed special benefits and services.

There was a belief that the debate was being manipulated by the "Aboriginal and
multicultural industry".

"There is a perception that some opinions are manufactured by self-serving vested
interests, rather than honest responses," he said.

"In turn, this gives rise to the feeling that some groups are being given rights or
privileges which they don't deserve."

This was despite Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders being the most disadvantaged groups
across nearly every social and economic indicator.

Prof Kenyon said some of the benefits people surveyed believed that Aborigines received
were bizarre, such as special drinking rights.

He said an education campaign was needed to explain why the special benefits and services
were needed.

Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation member May O'Brien said an education campaign was in
place to make people aware that special treatment was needed for Aborigines and Torres Strait
Islanders to help them "catch up".

"We don't all come up the same ladder at the same time," she said.

"People in Australia are at various stages on the ladder. Everybody gets handouts from the
government, farmers get handouts - but when it comes to Aborigines and migrants, people start
to put their blinkers on."

Most respondents gave the Neighbours soap opera response when asked how they saw themselves
and Australia, saying they were friendly, laid back and accepting of anyone irrespective of
class, colour or creed.

Prof Kenyon said the Neighbours ideal was probably a hankering back to days when
multiculturalism and Aboriginal issues did not have to be confronted.

"It's part of the ideal that things were easier in the past," he said.

AAP pr/cfm/de

KEYWORD: FAIR

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