This topic introduces you to a number of issues that impact upon or are of concern to contemporary Indigenous Australians. We investigate the interaction of Indigenous Australians with the criminal justice system. It also revisits the question of ‘Who are Indigenous Australians’, and the correct terminology to use.

This following areas are covered;

• The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody;
• Over-representation in custody and the history of colonisation;
• The impact of disadvantage and inequality on over-representation in custody;
• Who are Indigenous Australians? Definitions and Terminology.

Objectives

This topic is study towards achieving the following objective:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of contemporary issues which impact upon Indigenous peoples and communities.