TABLE1 Differences in wellbeing statistics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-indigenous Australians (ABS2023)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia
Wellbeing indicator Male life expectancy Female life expectancy
Non-indigenous Australians
71.9 years 75.6 years
81.3 years 83.2 years
High school completion rate (Years 7–12)
59%
89%
Median weekly income
$830
$1124
SkillBuilder discussion Investigating contemporary Civics and Citizenship issues 1. Discuss the data in TABLE1 . Suggest reasons for these figures. 2. What other data might be useful in showing differences in wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-indigenous Australians? It is important to remember the negative impacts that European settlement had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We also need to consider the other ways in which this period of Australian history influenced the evolution of our national identity. British colonisation of Australia left our country with significant links to Britain, particularly in regard to aspects of popular culture. British sport, literature, music, customs and traditions were all very much incorporated as a part of Australian life. In fact, it was our connection to Britain, as a member of its empire, which directly led to Australia’s involvement in World War I. 19.3.4 The bonds of war
FIGURE4 Word War I diggers are often associated with the concept of mateship due to the close bonds they formed under extraordinary circumstances.
Over 400 000 Australians enlisted in the First Australian Imperial Force ( AIF) during World War I, with 60 000 losing their lives. The horrors of war left many soldiers with physical and psychological scars. Some soldiers found it difficult to return to their previous jobs and lives and it took the entire country time to recover as a nation. Amidst the hardship of war, however, came one of the most frequently debated parts of Australia’s cultural identity — the concept of mateship. Theword mateship is commonly associated with Australian ‘diggers’ who fought in World War I and, more specifically, at Gallipoli. The word itself conjures images of soldiers risking their own lives to help injured comrades. The concept of mateship in Australian culture gained prominence in the early twentieth century through the works of poets such as Henry Lawson. The romantic view of mateship was further enshrined in Australian culture through stories of war and resilience. Australia’s involvement in World War II brought cultural changes and closer ties with the United States. The United States set up naval bases in Australia, which hosted over 150 000 US soldiers. This US presence influenced Australian fashion, music, technology and customs.
572 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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