AUSTRALIAN HISTORY

1. What are some of the aspects of Australian history from 1788 to 1901, which revealed that those in power were determined to make it a white man’s country?

There are different aspects that support the determination of those who were in power in Australian from 1788 to 1901 to favor whites in the country. Indeed, during this period, there was massive migration of whites from Europe and United states that got access to the country. The individuals in power further ensured that the constitution did not guarantee any rights to the locals. The move was an attempt to make indigenous aboriginals lack capacity to challenge any mistreatment in their country. Indeed, the system was oppressive and the aboriginals did not have right to own property in the country. The situation was different for their whites who were favored and occupied different leadership positions in the country. Further, the government appointed the judicial system in the country and this made it challenging to remain an independent institution. Therefore, despite the favoritism of the whites, the judiciary did not have power to challenge the government. 

2. What was the significance of the Whitlam government for Australian history?

The government of Whitlam was significant in changing the lives of the indigenous who had previously suffered under past regimes. Whitlam provided funding to support different organizations associated with the indigenous. Through the support, the government was able to improve the legal, health and social services of the population. There was equal accessibility of health services by the indigenous, and this positively influenced their health and productivity. Further, the indigenous were empowered to seek legal intervention when they felt incidence of abuse of their rights. Through the empowerment, the indigenous were able to challenge any form of mistreatment from the police. Additionally, Whitlam championed for Australian nationalism for all people irrespective of their history. Through new nationalism, the aboriginals achieved equal rights with other dwellers of Australia and they participated in vying for elective posts. Whitlam also championed for land rights for the indigenous and resurgence of their culture that was gradually diminishing. Actually, Whitlam brought significant changes in the lives of indigenous and enforcement of their rights. 

3. What are some of the social divisions between different groups of indigenous people in Australia?

There are different social divisions that characterize the Indigenous Australians such as their lifestyle. It is notable that some groups place significant importance in activities that support welfare and security of their people. The men take the responsibility of hunting while women gather fruits and other food materials for their families. The nuclear family is an aspect of the group where individual’s loyalty is in his or her family. However, mutual respect is compulsory for the tribe and different activities such as trading take place to unite the groups. During trades, the groups exchange different things and this enhances cooperation thus averting incidences of war. Further, celebrations are also common social activity that is evident in different indigenous groups. The groups place significant importance in gifts exchanged during celebrations such as birth naming. Through belief system and recognition of different values, the indigenous are able to embrace unity and resolve their differences through their elders. 

4. Why does Jennifer Robinson regard the American Bill of Rights as a model for Australia? Is she realistic?

American Bill of Rights is an effective model for Australia because it highlights the need to give people some basic rights. According to Jennifer, every human being irrespective of race, religion or gender is equal in law. Therefore, it is wrong to treat some individuals as superior to others in the society. The bill of rights allows the government to protect all the people and assure that different rights are given. Through the bill, all individuals have a right to protection from harm from either internal or external threat. Further, the bill provides need for government to assure health to its population. Indeed, all people require to access affordable care to enhance their productivity in the society. Further, through adopting the model of rights from America, Australia will guarantee all people right to own property. The trend of denying indigenous a chance to own land is inhuman. Through American model, all people will be equal and thus enjoy different rights that will be enshrined in their constitution. 

5. What are some competing interpretations of the domestic violence crisis in Australia?

Domestic violence takes different forms and sometimes confused by common misunderstanding that it only takes place in home. Indeed, in Australian the incidences of domestic violence occur majorly on women and can take place in their homes or in the streets. The women suffer from abuse from either their past or present intimate partners who may result to fights. However, the interpretation majorly focuses on physical fights. The fights results to injury of either of the partners and may limit their ability to carry their daily duties effectively. Domestic violence may also occur when individuals force their partners to engage in sexual activities without their will. There is a misconception that in relationship either party has the right to have sex with their spouse whenever they want. However, if there is no consent the activity amounts to domestic violence. Another understanding of domestic violence arises from recognition of parents who physically abuse their children. Such individuals assume the role of disciplining where they beat their children and may result to physical injury. Indeed, depending on perspective on an individual, domestic violence may mean different things to Australians. 

6. How do Kelly and MacLean disagree in their analysis of the experience of the twentieth century Australian economy?

Mclean argues that the Australian economy significantly grew during the postwar period. Indeed, during this period the average income of people in the country exceeded the levels in reference countries. There was relative no indication of gross domestic product of the country falling during this period. The incidence originates from impact of economic convergence achieved by the country after both first and second world wars. The structural adjustments help in explaining the relative performance of this economy. However, Kelly disagrees with Mclean with the argument that Australia economy has been gradual due to international rationalization. The influence of rationalization was labor market deregulation and embracing of new reforms in industrial relations. According to Kelly, free market rationalization significantly influenced economic improvement.  Indeed, government played an important role in developing labor policies that supported economic efficiency in the country. Through support of free market, the government showed commitment to economic rationality, which was the starting point of modernizing labor.