Why Do Some Aboriginal Communities Have Lower Crime Rates Than Others? A Pilot Study

Abstract

Crime data published by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) indicates that there is considerable variation in rates of Indigenous 1 offending from one area to another in NSW, including in areas that are comparable in terms of Indigenous population (Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research 2006). However, despite research findings that raise the importance of community context in relation to the offending of Indigenous individuals, there has been little investigation of the relationship between the dynamics of Indigenous communities and crime rates. In particular, there is a dearth of research that seeks to better understand the factors that may render Indigenous communities less prone to crime. This paper outlines the findings of a pilot study undertaken by a research team from Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at the University of Technology Sydney, with support from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). The pilot study sought to better understand the factors that contribute to variations in rates of Indigenous offending by conducting qualitative research in two communities with significant Aboriginal populations, Wilcannia and Menindee, that are demographically and geographically comparable but with contrasting crime rates.

Recognition of Barkandji Water Rights in Australian Settler-Colonial Water Regimes

“…As a consequence, Aboriginal peoples from this area (and other closely settled regions of south-east Australia) now have low rates of land ownership and experience other forms of socio-economic disadvantage [39]. These factors have left a legacy of 'low educational and employment outcomes, poor health and housing' [44] (p. 325), as well as spiritual, cultural, social, community, and familial impacts including intergenerational grief and loss [44,45]. These legacy issues are compounded by low availability of, and access to, support services and employment options [44], a common characteristic of Australia's regional and remote areas.…”

“…These legacy issues are compounded by low availability of, and access to, support services and employment options [44], a common characteristic of Australia's regional and remote areas. Seeking to have their unceded ancestral and customary rights and interests to these landscapes recognized by Australia's common law, the Barkandji submitted a native title claim soon after the introduction of the NTA.…”

“…The Barkandji are responsible for the Ngatji's health and wellbeing, although they find this increasingly outside of their control under contemporary water governance arrangements [45,54]. Barkandji Traditional Owners' physical, mental and social health is linked to the health of the River [43,45], with many Barkandji interviewees convinced that improved river health leads to lower occurrences of crime (see also [44]). As Barkandji PBC Director A phrased it, 'Without this water, we will never survive.…”

This Is Not a Guide to Indigenous Research Partnerships

“…The literature described varying degrees of partner participation on advisory groups. For instance, representation might be through the inclusion of Indigenous experts or Indigenous researchers (McCausland & Vivian 2010). These people, if providing intellectual property, are co-investigators and usually do not represent the target research partner.…”

“…Consultation was one method referred to (Turner & Sanders 2007;McCausland & Vivian 2010). To consult is defined as 'to refer to for information' (Oxford University 2012), a one-way communication pathway whereby information is obtained from the community partner to develop research.…”