Equity and equality aren’t the same
![]() | Artist: Angus Maguire www.interactioninstitute.org www.madewithangus.com |
Inequities and inequalities in health
The health and wellbeing of Australia’s First Peoples continues to be influenced by colonial policies and practices. While advances in medicine have improved the health of Australians over recent decades, the health of Australia’s First Peoples hasn’t improved at the same rate.The World Health Organisation (2016) defines health inequalities as the ‘difference in health status or in the distribution of health determinants between different population groups’. It recognises that some determinants of health are ‘unnecessary and avoidable, as well as unjust and unfair’, resulting in health inequalities and inequities (WHO, 2016).This concept of ‘unfairness’ is central to understanding ‘inequity’. When it comes to socially disadvantaged groups, such as Australia’s First Peoples, racism and discrimination hinders access to opportunities to pursue health (Taylor & Guerin, 2014). And that’s not OK.Inequity has a long history for First Peoples
The inequalities and inequities we continue to see in the health status of First Peoples is representative of the bigger picture relating to their lack of human rights in Australia. The fight for equality, equity and cultural recognition continues to be overlooked.For example, did you know that Australia’s First Peoples are not recognised in Australia’s constitution? Did you know that Australia is the only Commonwealth nation that doesn’t have a treaty with its Indigenous people? If you’re not sure what a treaty is, in this context, it’s an agreement between Indigenous peoples and governments.The Australian Constitution
When the Australian Constitution was being drafted, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were excluded from the discussions concerning the creation of a new nation to be situated on their ancestral lands and territories. The Australian Constitution also expressly discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Australian Constitution did not – and still does not – make adequate provision for Australia’s first peoples…it has failed to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights as the first peoples of this country (Australian Human Rights Commission, ND).
It’s a human rights issue
Watch the UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples. It’s an informative video highlighting the significant steps forward in recognising Australia’s First Peoples’ rights, but also the setbacks in the past three decades. First Peoples have the right to culture and identity.This is an additional video, hosted on YouTube.
Your task
Did you already know that First Peoples continue to remain unrecognised in the constitution? How comfortable are you with this, from a human rights perspective? Share your thoughts and comments with the group.References
Australian Human Rights Commission (ND). Constitutional Reform: Fact Sheet – Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the constitution.Decuir, J.T. & Dixson, A.D. (2004). So when it comes out, they aren’t that surprised that it is there: Using critical race theory as a tool of analysis of race and racism in education. Educational Researcher, 33(5), 26-31.Taylor, K. & Guerin, P. (2014). Health Care and Indigenous Australians. South Yarra, Australia: Macmillan Education AustraliaWorld Health Organisation (WHO). (2016). Health Inequality and Inequity.Safer Healthcare for Australia's First Peoples

Our purpose is to transform access to education.
We offer a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time, and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life.
We believe learning should be an enjoyable, social experience, so our courses offer the opportunity to discuss what you’re learning with others as you go, helping you make fresh discoveries and form new ideas.
You can unlock new opportunities with unlimited access to hundreds of online short courses for a year by subscribing to our Unlimited package. Build your knowledge with top universities and organisations.
Learn more about how FutureLearn is transforming access to education