IND/Why Social Justice and Reconciliation?
Social Justice is when all citizens are able to take advantage of the benefits and opportunities in society. It argues that the resources of society should be distributed in such a way that those who have certain needs receive extra support, so that the end outcome is an equal playing field. It is not the same as ‘treating everyone equally’.
The aim of Reconciliation is to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together, to acknowledge the past and co-create the present and future. This may mean that those in dominant positions in society have to give up some of their power, position and cultural dominance to make space for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous perspectives.
Ways to achieve these two things include considering Human Rights and Indigenous Rights obligations and using appropriate engagement strategies.